SPRINGFIELD, MO., Nov. 8, 2022 – Today is National First-Generation College Celebration Day. It’s a time to recognize students who are the first in their families to go to college. As a first-generation student there can be unique challenges that create barriers to success.
At Drury we offer distinctive programs and organizations that provide guidance, training and resources to first-generation students, aimed at removing barriers and supporting their goals.
College Assistance Migrant Program:
Drury University student Moo Shee, was born in a refugee camp. His parents fled Myanmar and moved to the United States for a better life. As the child of an immigrant family, Moo Shee expected his opportunities to be limited.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure if college was an option for me,” he said. “Getting my FASFA done was something my parents didn’t know how to do because neither of my them speak English at all.”
During his freshman year at Drury’s Monett campus, Moo Shee joined the College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP. Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, the one-year program provides academic and financial support to migrant and seasonal farm workers and their immediate family members, many of whom are first-generation college students.
Drury’s CAMP program includes three full-time and three part-time staff members dedicated to identifying, recruiting and supporting students for the program. CAMP students receive financial assistance with tuition, books, classroom technology, such as laptops, and living expenses, such as child care. Mentoring and leadership training are also key aspects of the program. Drury’s CAMP program began in 2016 and serves 25 students a year. It is one of only 54 programs around the country.
“The CAMP program helped me get through the first year of college with all the tools I needed,” said Moo Shee. “CAMP helped me with self-actualization and self-confidence.”
Moo Shee will graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
5th annual Imagine Conference:
On Thursday, Nov. 17 Drury will host its 5th annual Imagine Conference for current and prospective first-generation college students. The half-day conference is sponsored by CAMP and free for all attendees.
“The goal of the conference isn’t necessarily to get prospective students to come to Drury, but rather to help them understand the resources available if they want to go to college,” said Elizabeth Nichols, a Spanish professor and conference coordinator.
The conference covers a variety of information, from financial aid, two-year trade schools, creating a support system, imposter syndrome and more. CAMP students also attend and provide a Q&A session.
“We get a lot of positive feedback from the conference,” said Nichols. “I’ve had counselors email me afterward who heard their students say, ‘Wow, maybe I could go to college.’ That makes me so happy.”
There are currently 95 college and high school students signed up to attend the conference. Individuals interested in attending can contact Nichols at enichols@drury.edu.
Panthers First sticker initiative:
Panthers First is a student-led mentorship organization aimed at helping first-generation students succeed. The organization will soon launch a new initiative on campus, providing stickers to faculty members who were also the first in their family to attend college. The stickers will be placed on their office door to help first-generation students feel welcomed and connected.
“I remember being so afraid to ask questions that seemed ‘stupid’ or ‘obvious’ and I just didn’t go to any professor’s or advisor’s offices. I very quickly realized that not asking those questions wasn’t getting me anywhere,” said Destany L’Heureux, Panthers First president and Drury senior. “These stickers are hopefully going to start building those relationships quicker by starting a conversation about being a first-generation student, which is such a unique quality that should be celebrated. Building connections can help a student’s confidence rise which can ultimately lead to success.”
The program is expected to launch by January 2023.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.