Midland College is focusing on initiatives to attract first-generation students, as the spring semester progresses. The college has collaborated with Handshake, a career management platform designed to facilitate connections between employers and students. "Our First-Gen Ambassadors and Club members hosted a 'Handshake & Cake' event," the school said in a Facebook post. "Students explored the MC Handshake app to find local and nationwide jobs and internships while enjoying some sweet snack cakes to kickstart their morning."
According to a news release, this initiative follows Midland College's announcement of its support for these students through its First-Generation Student Success Initiatives. This effort aims to assist students with advising and coaching tailored towards their success. Research conducted by the school indicated that these students seek a sense of belonging within the Midland community, with academics playing a crucial role in unlocking their potential.
Alicia Zamora, 20, expressed similar views in a news release. She said that discussions with her teachers brought up topics her family had never addressed before. These conversations "ended with them asking me, 'didn't your parents tell you this?' I couldn't really ask [my parents] stuff about school," she said. Midland College hopes to ease the transition to college for students like Zamora by implementing a First-Generation scholarship program that allows students to become first-generation ambassadors, thereby exposing them to leadership and networking opportunities.