Bowie State Celebrates First Generation College Students Day

University Estimates Up to 35 Percent of Undergraduates are First Generation College Students

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, [email protected], 301-860-3607

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State's Office of Engaged Learning and Student Supporthighlighted university students who were the first in their families to attend college with First Generation College Student Day at the Student Center. Thirty to thirty-five percent of Bowie State undergraduate students are first-generation college students.

"It's a national, symbolic day," said Monica Lawson, director of the Engaged Learning and Student Support office. "Our office has been involved with supporting first-generation college students since 1976. We want to continue to celebrate and support those students."

One of the main hurdles that first-generation college students face is a need for more information. First-generation college students often must navigate applying to school, choosing a major, and matriculating to graduation without the benefit of parents or close family who have worked through the process before they did. It can often leave first-generation college students working through issues with little support. Fortunately, the Engaged Learning and Student Support staff are happy to bridge that gap for students who need it.

"First-gen students, who may need a little bit more support and assistance, may have more challenges navigating college processes," said Patience Amankwa, a counseling services specialist. "Having support from offices like ours gives them more information that allows them to make informed decisions about their college experience."

Though it can be a daunting experience, enrolling in college is still a worthy endeavor that pays dividends during a person's career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, those with a college degree earn a median salary of $52,000, while those with only a high school diploma earn a median salary of $34,320. Over a lifetime, data shows that individuals with college degrees earn about $1.2 million morethan those with only a high school diploma.

Beyond that, college allows students to discover who they are and what motivates them. The Engaged Learning and Student Support staff want to nurture that part of the college experience with first-generation students who connect with their office.

"The college experience is an opportunity for individuals to learn more about themselves," said Amankwa. "We push the idea of discovery holistically. Many parts of the human experience contribute to who you will be when you walk out these doors.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

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