The Purpose of a College Education: Getting a Job: Narrations of First-Generation College Students

This research examines the educational experiences of a group of 18 white, working-class, first-generation college students and how these experiences prepared them to be successful in college. Most participants had always intended to attend college, despite their parent’s level of education. The data set for this study is derived from quasi-life history, qualitative interviews concerning participants’ educational experiences from all levels of schooling. This research seeks to address gaps in the literature concerning the educational backgrounds and understandings of white, working-class, first-generation college students as a means to assist colleges and universities in the recruitment and retention of this particular student population