Addressing The Psychosocial Needs Of College Goers From Low-Income Backgrounds
America has made significant strides in expanding access to higher education opportunities for all students in recent decades. Nevertheless, research shows that disparities in racial and ethnic minority, low-income, and first-generation college student group rates of post-secondary retention remain.
Student retention continues to be a pressing concern for higher education researchers, administrators, and policymakers alike. Economic reasons often motivate this institutional concern, but supporting admitted students and committing to help them succeed is equally important. However, higher education organizations still need to balance their efforts in minimizing tuition revenue loss while also pursuing improvement in retention rates.
An initial step includes learning more about why low-income students are less likely to graduate from college and not attain their degrees than their higher-income peers. This analysis requires a better understanding of the college experience for this underrepresented group and their needs. The better we understand how these two critical factors influence their decision-making processes, the better we can improve college success outcomes.
On A Quest to Learn Why
The research by Beyond College Access Founder Dr. Sherell Wilson highlights the urgent need for higher education institutions to step up and address these issues in a more meaningful way.
For many low-income students, the pursuit of higher education can be a daunting and intimidating experience. The pressure to succeed academically while also navigating personal life stressors can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of imposter syndrome and isolation. Without a supportive community or network, many students may struggle to find a sense of belonging or to feel affirmed in their identities.
Dr. Wilson's research brings attention to the fact that it is not enough for institutions to offer only academic support services, financial aid, and career development resources. Instead, institutions must also prioritize the psychosocial needs of low-income students in order to create an environment that fosters their growth and success. By considering the holistic needs of students, institutions have the opportunity to support not only their academic achievement but also their overall well-being.
Moving forward, higher education institutions must take action to address the challenges faced by low-income students. This can include creating more opportunities for students to build supportive communities, providing access to counseling and mental health services, and more.
A Predominant Need: Psychosocial development
As we strive toward a more equitable and inclusive higher education system, it is essential that we prioritize the psychosocial development of first-year college students. This critical period in a student's life marks a significant transition that can influence their academic, personal, and social growth over the next few years. Investing in comprehensive programs and resources that address this need is crucial to promoting their overall success and ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities and support as their higher-income peers.
College students face a range of challenges related to their psychosocial development. The transition from high school to college can be a significant change, often involving issues such as homesickness, loneliness, and lack of direction. At the same time, students also face the pressures of meeting academic expectations, making important decisions about their future, and navigating new social environments. Addressing these needs requires a holistic approach that considers students' diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Comprehensive programs and resources tailored to college students' psychosocial needs can offer valuable support. Such programs may involve tailored orientation activities, mentorship opportunities, counseling and mental health services, academic enrichment programs, and community-building initiatives. By providing these resources, we can help students build resilience
Through research-based and innovative practices, we can help more students from diverse backgrounds achieve their academic goals and get the support they need to succeed. By implementing and evaluating these practices in educational and community settings, we can make a significant impact on the lives of many students.
At Beyond College Access, we offer a range of services and resources designed to help you and your team meet this challenge head-on. We work closely with practitioners in higher education and partners in K-12 and non-profit sectors to provide evidence-based strategies that help students navigate the complexities of college life and provide the support they need to thrive.