Research indicates that most first-generation college students feed into the community college or local state university system, where they meet roadblocks to graduation. Less than half of the students who attend community college or a non-selective four-year institution ever graduate—nearly 80% of the nation’s post-secondary student body (National Center for Education Statistics, 2005). The findings show significantly higher success and graduation rates for first-generation students that start postsecondary education at four-year institutions.

CSO believes that the best college environment for first-generation students is at four-year, residential institutions typically characterized by the personalized educations, close-knit campus communities, and established support networks found there. Studies clearly demonstrate how campus climate and community directly affect student success, and at community colleges or large state universities, students are presented with all too many barriers to achievement. Large campus and class sizes, complex and bureaucratic systems, and poor academic advising are only some of the obstacles students navigate in such postsecondary institutions.

Many four-year colleges and universities, both private and public, have a distinct desire to serve first-generation and underserved populations as such students enhance campus diversity in makeup and experience. A substantial number of these institutions offer the necessary resources-namely financial aid and scholarship opportunities, accessible academic and personal counseling, and other support and outreach programs-to welcome and embrace first-generation and underserved students.

While infrastructure and programming may be in place for such students, many colleges and universities have not effectively developed programs to attract the number of first-generation and underserved students that they desire. Few high school counselors or community-based programs that work with youth are aware of the opportunities at these schools. It is Center for Student Opportunity's challenge to help facilitate the match between qualified students and leading colleges and universities. Toward this end, CSO intends to be a central resource to help develop and promote college and university programs designed for the admission and retention of the target populations, and to push information to high school counselors, community programs, and students themselves to raise awareness of college options and opportunities for first-generation and underserved students.