Information for First-Generation Families
In addition to our quality programs and faculty, you can take comfort in knowing that Baker College supports first-generation students with a student-first philosophy. Our small class sizes help set us apart from other institutions. Our campuses are SAFE. We care about our students and it shows in every decision we make. We value first-generation students because we know they have the potential to be difference-makers!
Families should consider sending their first-generation student to college for several
compelling reasons:
College education opens doors to opportunities and career paths otherwise inaccessible.
College provides an environment for personal growth and development. Students have the opportunity to explore new interests, expand their horizons, and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are valuable in both professional and personal contexts.
Studies have shown that college graduates tend to have higher earning potential and greater financial stability over their lifetimes compared to those with only a high school diploma.
By pursuing higher education, first-generation students become role models for their siblings, children, and future generations.
College-educated individuals are more likely to engage in their communities through volunteering, voting, and civic participation.
Ultimately, sending a first-generation student to college is an investment in their future success and well-being. It provides them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex world. Additionally, it can have a transformative impact on their families, communities, and society as a whole.
Resources for Families
- FirstGen Forward
- Check out what we are up to on Instagram
More Than Support—A Culture of Care
At Baker College, we live by a student-first philosophy—where the student is not just a priority, but the center of everything we do. We are united in our mission to support every student’s success, and that means fostering a culture of caring that extends beyond academics and reaches into every part of the student experience.
This commitment is especially vital for first-generation college students, many of whom are navigating unfamiliar territory often without a built-in support system. Understanding their unique challenges and strengths is key to building a more inclusive, empowering campus environment.
For us, how we do anything is how we do everything. That means showing up with empathy, listening actively, and creating systems and spaces where all students—including those blazing the trail as the first in their family to attend college—can thrive, belong, and succeed.At Baker, we don’t just care about our students—we care for them, in every action, every policy, and every interaction.
Share Your First-Generation Pride
Showcase your First-Gen pride by sharing your story to be featured in Baker College’s Beeline newsletter column, “I’m Proud to be First-Gen.”