'I'm Going to College': Protective Factors Shaping the College-Going Identity of Prospective First-Generation College Students of Color
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| Title: | 'I'm Going to College': Protective Factors Shaping the College-Going Identity of Prospective First-Generation College Students of Color |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Joseph M. Williams, Yakob Lemma, Nina R. Schoonover, Morgan Rustia, Ben Allen |
| Source: | Journal of College Access. 2026 11(2):9-29. |
| Availability: | Journal of College Access. 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Web site: http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jca/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 23 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Junior High Schools Middle Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | First Generation College Students, Low Income Students, Minority Group Students, Middle School Students, Self Concept, Academic Aspiration, Orientation, Cultural Influences, Family Influence, Expectation, Peer Relationship |
| ISSN: | 2333-715X |
| Abstract: | A college-going identity reflects a mindset in which individuals view college as a realistic, attainable, and desirable goal. It is characterized by the belief that higher education is a vital part of one's educational journey and is accompanied by a strong aspiration to earn a degree. For students from low-income and marginalized backgrounds, this identity serves as a critical protective factor, buffering against systemic inequities, resource limitations, and low expectations that often shape their educational experiences. This qualitative study examines the protective factors shaping the college-going identity of prospective first -generation, low-income middle school students of color (N = 17). Centering students' voices, the findings illuminate how aspirations emerge through a complex interplay of personal motivation, family and cultural values, peer support, and institutional gaps. Implications for school counselors and educators are discussed. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506662 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | A college-going identity reflects a mindset in which individuals view college as a realistic, attainable, and desirable goal. It is characterized by the belief that higher education is a vital part of one's educational journey and is accompanied by a strong aspiration to earn a degree. For students from low-income and marginalized backgrounds, this identity serves as a critical protective factor, buffering against systemic inequities, resource limitations, and low expectations that often shape their educational experiences. This qualitative study examines the protective factors shaping the college-going identity of prospective first -generation, low-income middle school students of color (N = 17). Centering students' voices, the findings illuminate how aspirations emerge through a complex interplay of personal motivation, family and cultural values, peer support, and institutional gaps. Implications for school counselors and educators are discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 2333-715X |
