Contact:
Jeff LaLiberte
305-899-4877
MIAMI, Fla. – Being among the first in your family to attend college is special; and Barry University is pleased to demonstrate its dedication to making college education an opportunity for all by joining the I’m First community of first-generation college students. The partnership will help ensure first-generation college students have all the tools necessary to help them choose the right college or university for them.
I’m First is an online community founded by Center for Student Opportunity to provide first-generation college students—and those who advise them—with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college. The I’m First website allows students camaraderie and support on their journey while researching and asking questions and get answers on all things college.
A unique aspect of the I’m First website is the student blog section which allows first-generation students to share their stories and offer advice to the next generation of students who will be first.
In addition to its resources for students, I’m First is an invaluable source of information to help advisors of first-generation students on the road to college. High School counselors and advisors are able to research and connect with colleges, contribute to the Q&A community, and stay abreast of the latest news, updates, and information from I’m First.
Barry has numerous programs designed to assist first-generation and first-time college students. Barry’s First-Year Experience program is meant to help new students become active participants in their college experience while the Office of International and Multicultural Programs exists is to provide resources, services, and programs that further develop the international dimension of Barry University. Other programs include theCenter for Community Service Initiatives, the Glen Hubert Learning Center and the MARC and RISE programs.
Approximately 26 percent of Barry students were first-generation college-goers during the 2013-14 school year. In fall 2013, Barry welcomed more than 750 first-generation students. Barry is one of 16 Catholic universities in the country to join I’m First and one of only three universities in Florida to become a member of the coalition.
For more information on I’m First, visit their website at http://www.imfirst.org/ and Barry’s page at http://www.imfirst.org/barry-university/#.U-T5ovldU1I.