Conference Session

First-Generation Track - Technical Session IV

Collection

2018 CoNECD - The Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity Conference

Authors

Jennifer Blue, Miami University; Brielle Johnson, Miami University; Amy Summerville, Miami University; Brian P. Kirkmeyer, Miami University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, First Generation

alone are insufficient in explaining a disparity in academicachievement between upper and lower income students. Not only do low-income and first-generation students encounter obstacles such as a lack of academic preparation and access toinformation about the college experience [1], but these students may also have internalizedbeliefs that hinder their academic achievements. A culmination of external and internalinfluences has resulted in a lack of representation of socioeconomically disadvantaged and first-generation students throughout academia [2]. Students’ metacognitions about their abilities andfeelings of affiliation with their institutions have been associated with academic performance.While there is much diversity within the population

Conference Session

First-Generation Track - Technical Session IV

Collection

2018 CoNECD - The Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity Conference

Authors

Dina Verdín, Purdue University, West Lafayette (College of Engineering); Allison Godwin, Purdue University, West Lafayette (College of Engineering); Adam Kirn, University of Nevada, Reno; Lisa Benson, Clemson University; Geoff Potvin, Florida International University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, First Generation

support grit development in first-generationcollege students.Introduction First-generation college students face numerous unique challenges within higher educationthat offer particular opportunities for research and interventions to improve their enrollment andretention. This population has potential to add to the field of engineering as they bring with themunique lived experiences. First-generation college students have been described as invisibleinnovators [1]. Smith and Lucena [1] argue if first-generation college students’ funds of knowledgeare equally valued knowledge as that of the dominant engineering culture, these students’ can belegitimate creators of knowledge and contribute to innovative solutions in the engineeringenterprise