Summer Programs Help First-Generation College Students

Parents and students often give me a very puzzled look when I tell them their child, whether in high school or college, should spend their holiday break looking for summer internship and program opportunities. I know it seems way to early to be thinking about the summer already but it is not.

Summer programs use the spring months to get ready for the launch of their programs not selecting candidates. Your child should have a good idea of what they want to do over the summer and be completing the application process by now.

Research shows that summer programs can boost the chances that students will apply to, and enroll in, college, that they'll perform better when they get there, and that they'll be less likely to bail out after their freshman year. Students who attend summer programs are more likely to have good study skills and more faith that they can handle college because summer programs push them out of the norm of day to day school activities.

Confidence is key to success in many areas of life, especially in academics. "Getting that experience early, with the support of people who are helping you find your way, can be particularly important for students who are the first in their families to go to college," said Elisabeth A. Barnett, who's studied the transition to college as a senior research associate at the Community College Research Center at Columbia University.

And the transition from college to the workforce is not much easier for many first-generation college students. For many, embarking on a career path can be like entering foreign territory. Many do not have role models to help with the all-important details that can differentiate themselves in competition for a job – a firm handshake, small talk, dressing professionally. They also may not know how to choose a career path, write a resume and interview for that first job or internship.

That is no reason to shy away from the opportunities to do so. Practice makes perfect. As a first-generation college student myself I decided early on in my college journey that if something arose that made me uncomfortable I would meet that fear with force. I would not say I'm not good at that so I don't do it, I would say I'm not good at that so I'm going to practice, practice, practice until that is no longer my issue.

Every time I have been presented with an obstacle that I have overcome my confidence has grown because my pride in knowing I really can accomplish anything I set my mind to has increased. This is a practice I continue to this day, not just because I want to continue to make myself proud but because I have to continually fight the demons that try to tell me I'm not worthy or good enough.

Education is a status symbol in America when you come from a background that was not afforded educational opportunities it's normal to feel as though it is somehow your fault for those shortcomings. The confidence we provide our students today will help them with the coping skills they need to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Resources:

For a list of summer programs for high school students please revisit my Fall Preview: Summer Programs for Your High School Student

Looking for internships: Find Internships has the best and most reliable list of internship opportunities I have found.

Want a complete list of internships designed especially for minority students. Find Internships/Minorities list all internship opportunities designated for to students who are members of racial and ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in certain fields such as, law, engineering, and information technology.

I hope you find this information helpful. For more information please feel free to call for an appointment, 720-505-3071 or email me at [email protected].