2010

First generation college students are a growing population in universities and twoyear colleges and tend to be ethnic minorities, females, lower income, and older than traditional college students (Prospero & Vohra-Gupta, 2007; Tym, McMillion, Barone, & Webster, 2004). First generation college-bound students are typically an underserved group in most schools around the nation, which is evident in their lower college completion rates (Slaughter, 2009). Many of these students face challenges such as financial hardship, lack of preparedness for college level work, lack of guidance in the college application process, and negative stereotypes (Gibbons & Shoffner, 2004). Because they are a diverse group with a unique set of challenges, first generation collegebound students may need additional support when preparing for their post secondary education. As noted by Gibbons and Shoffner (2004), small group counseling can be an effective way to help first generation college-bound students.