Mentoring for First-Generation College Students

First-generation college students are figuring out college without a parent who has been through it, which often means learning the unwritten rules on the fly: how registration works, what office hours are for, and how financial aid deadlines and academic standing rules work. Blackburn Mentoring pairs a first-generation student with one dedicated mentor who meets with them regularly by video, with text and phone check-ins in between, so there is always someone to ask. Mentoring works anywhere in the US, and in person in Los Angeles.

When students and families reach out

• Starting college and wanting someone to ask the questions no one at home can answer; see the first-generation college student guide
• Unsure how registration, holds and deadlines work; see how to register for college classes and the add/drop period
• Working while in college and struggling to balance hours and classes; see working while in college
• Grades slipping and not sure who to talk to; see mentoring for students on academic probation
• Parents who did not attend college and want to support their student; see the guide for parents of first-generation students
• Moving from community college to a four-year school; see mentoring for transfer students

What a mentor works on

1. The unwritten rules. Office hours, emailing professors, using advising and reading the catalog; see talking to professors and office hours and the college advising office.
2. Planning each term. Registration, a realistic course load, and a calendar of the deadlines that matter.
3. Money and aid deadlines. Renewing aid on time and understanding the academic progress rules that keep it; see financial aid basics.
4. Routine and study habits. A weekly schedule that fits classes, work and family responsibilities.
5. Speaking up. Asking for help early and building relationships with faculty and classmates.
6. Career from the start. Campus jobs, internships and the first steps toward a career; see first-generation professionals.

Mentoring and campus programs

Many colleges run first-generation programs, and they are worth joining. A Blackburn mentor does not replace them. One-on-one mentoring adds one consistent person who meets with the student regularly, knows their whole week, including work and family responsibilities, and helps them use campus resources rather than avoid them.

For families

Parents who did not go to college often want to help but are not sure how. A mentor can answer the questions about how college works, so conversations at home can focus on encouragement. With the student’s permission, mentors share progress updates with parents.

What it is, and what it is not

• It is one-on-one mentoring and coaching for direction, structure and follow-through, by video anywhere in the US or in person in Los Angeles.
• It is not tutoring or academic advising. Advisors handle degree requirements; a mentor helps the student use that advice and follow through.
• If a student is dealing with depression, anxiety or substance use, a licensed professional is the right step, and a mentor can work alongside them. In a crisis, call or text 988.

How to start

1. Book a free intro call. A free 20-minute video call with a member of our team. Calls are weekdays, 9 to 5 Pacific. Choose a time.
2. Get matched. New clients are matched with a mentor within 2 business days.
3. Start the plan. Sessions by video, scheduled in your local time, with early morning, evening and weekend times available.

Questions about mentoring for first-generation students

What is a first-generation college student?

Usually a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. Definitions vary by college and program, so check how your school defines it if you are applying for first-generation programs or scholarships.

Does a mentor replace my academic advisor?

No. Your advisor is the authority on degree requirements and school policy. A mentor helps you prepare for advising meetings, act on the advice and stay on track between them.

Can parents who did not go to college still be involved?

Yes. Parents often book the free intro call. With the student’s permission, mentors share progress updates with parents.

Is mentoring available for community college students?

Yes. Mentoring works for students at community colleges and four-year schools, by video anywhere in the United States. See mentoring for community college students.

How much does it cost?

We do not publish prices. See how much a mentor costs, or ask on the free intro call.

Related

• First-generation college student guide
• Parents of first-generation college students
• Mentoring for college students
• College transition mentoring
• Mentoring for community college students
• Talking to professors and office hours

Get started

Starting college as the first in your family, or supporting a student who is? Call (888) 305-5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or book a free intro call. You can also start with a short assessment.