Understanding the Support Networks of First-Generation College Students

Purpose: In this mixed-methods project, researchers will describe the support networks and help-seeking preferences and behaviors of first-generation students at four public colleges in California, and explore relations between these preferences and behaviors and key postsecondary outcomes. By combining a qualitative analysis of students' social networks with a quantitative analysis of administrative data, the research team will generate insights that colleges may use to strengthen existing services or develop new approaches to supporting first-generation students. The team will use social network analysis methods to explore the types of relationships and supports that first-generation students access, for what purposes, and with what results.