Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of first-generation students participating in the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship (CCS) Program at The University of Alabama, a four-year public institution. The CCS Program was funded by a $1M gift from the Coca-Cola Foundation in 2006. The Program provided $5,000 annual renewable scholarships to 48 students (Scholars) who are Alabama residents and the first in their families to attend college. A descriptive case study design was selected because it allowed for the most comprehensive investigation of a single site program and it solicited an in-depth understanding of the experiences of the students who benefited from participation in the CCS Program. The data analysis for this qualitative study included one-on-one interviews with 19 Scholars as well as four administrators affiliated with the Program. This study used student persistence models and retention research as a conceptual framework to gather qualitative descriptive accounts of the impact of social integration, academic integration, and financial support among the first-generation students participating in the CCS Program at The University of Alabama. The following research questions examined the experiences among the recipients and guided this dissertation: 1. What role does academic integration play in the first-generation student experience? 2. What role does social integration play in the first-generation student experience? 3. What role does financial support play in the first-generation student experience? 4. What is the impact of the CCS program on first-generation student retention? The implications of practice, in addition to the results of this study, support the argument for continued research and analysis that will further examine the unique needs of first-generation students. There were four main elements of the CCS Program that supported the retention of the Scholars. First and foremost was financial support, followed by mentoring and the shared experiences of Alabama Action and BCE 101.
