Our Impact
Why Our Work Matters
Today, as many as half of all undergraduates are the first in their families to pursue a four-year college degree. Yet despite their talent and determination, first-generation students face systemic barriers that make completing college far more difficult.
The numbers tell a stark story: while nearly 60% of students with college-educated parents earn a bachelor’s degree within six years, only 24% of first-generation students do the same. They are 71% more likely to leave college in their first year, often due to financial strain, limited academic preparation, family responsibilities, and feelings of not belonging on campus. Many first-generation students describe college as a place with unwritten rules that everyone else seems to know but them.
The stakes are high—for students and for society. A college degree unlocks higher earnings, better health, stronger civic engagement, and a more equitable economy. Without effective support, however, too many first-generation students are left behind.
Our Impact
The Kessler Scholars Program is redefining what success looks like for first-generation students. By centering their strengths and providing research-backed support, we empower Kessler Scholars to persist, graduate, and thrive at rates that far exceed national averages. Together, we are proving that when first-generation identity is recognized as an asset, students and communities flourish.
First-to-second year retention
First-generation Students (Nationally)
Kessler Scholars
Four-year degree completion
First-generation Students (Nationally)
Kessler Scholars
Sources: National Student Clearinghouse, Higher Education Research Institute
Footnote: Four-year degree completion rate for Kessler Scholars are for the class of 2024
Opening Doors to Transformative Experiences
Beyond degree attainment, Kessler Scholars gain access to financial resources and individualized support designed to increase access to high-impact educational opportunities that enhance the undergraduate experience and promote academic and professional development.
Across the Collaborative network, Kessler Scholars are engaged in high-impact practices like undergraduate research, study abroad, and internships at rates that far surpass first-generation students nationally.
Research
First-generation Students (Nationally)
Kessler Scholars
Study abroad
First-generation Students (Nationally)
Kessler Scholars
Internships
First-generation Students (Nationally)
Kessler Scholars
Sources: NSSE HIP Quality and Equity: Annual Results 2020; Kessler Scholars Spring 2025 Survey
Student and Alumni Testimonials
The Kessler Scholars Program is transforming the college experience for first-generation students and creating a pipeline of future leaders. Hear what current students and alumni have to say about their experience in the Kessler Scholars Program.
Xiao Lin Zheng
Syracuse University
Class of 2025
“The Kessler Scholars Program taught me not to be afraid to ask questions, because that does not mean that you are not smart or that it makes you less of something. It just means that you’re learning. That’s why you have questions. And that is the biggest lesson that I learned through this program.”
Rigoberto ‘Rigo’ Rangel
University of Michigan
Class of 2025
“Being first-gen is somewhat of a struggle,” Rigo shared. “Coming to campus, not knowing how to navigate through the university, the lifestyle, and the system. It’s hard, and having a support group and peers who share the same struggles – helping each other navigate these problems or difficulties – is very meaningful. More than anything, I’ve relied on Kessler Scholars, particularly in those first couple of years, as a support group.”
Emily Shipway
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Class of 2026
“I think having Kessler Scholars is going to be my key to success. Getting through it, graduating at the end of the day, just knowing Kessler Scholars has my back. My family’s got my back here. Now I can truly embrace the Carolina life.”
Elizabeth Whitmore
University of Michigan
Class of 2025
“Community is really important. I’ve experienced that firsthand from being in the Kessler Scholars Program. I want to ensure that all my past and future experiences and communities I join are authentic and that I genuinely enjoy them. I want to make sure that I put all the energy I have into making my experiences meaningful because I want to make sure that I’m proud of them and myself.”
Evaluation Insights
The Kessler Scholars Collaborative is committed to continuous learning and dissemination of best practices, using external evaluation to inform programming and share lessons learned to enhance first-generation college student success. Our evaluation partners at Ithaka S+R lead a multi-site, longitudinal evaluation of the Kessler Scholars Program that includes data collection, analysis, reporting, and capacity building activities; and a formative assessment to support implementation, maximize impact, and assess student outcomes.
Learn more about the Kessler Scholars evaluationRelated Publications
Improving First-Year Outcomes for First-Generation Students through Summer Engagement Programs
Lessons from the Kessler Scholars Program
Evaluating the Kessler Scholars Program
Findings from Academic Year 2022-23
Tailored Suport for First-Year, First-Generation College Students
Findings from an Evaluation of the Kessler Scholars
Annual Reports
Latest Report
2024-2025
This past year marked a series of major milestones for the Kessler Scholars Collaborative and our work to transform the college experience for first-generation students. We celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Collaborative’s launch —a beginning that played out amid the COVID-19 pandemic—and documented remarkable outcomes by the first student cohorts to be part of this emerging national project. Our work in 2024-2025 also boldly looked forward, with the announcement of $16.5 million in grant renewal funding that will allow current campus partners to extend program operations through 2030 and deepen the impact of our collective efforts. Our 2024-2025 Annual Report captures key highlights from this momentous year and shares more about our work ahead.
Read FUll report