Not a Monolith: Exploring the Identities of First-Generation Rural Students

Rural students attend and complete college at rates far lower than their non-rural peers. This stems, in part, from decades of systemic dismissal of rural populations as not "college-ready" or whose remoteness make them unworthy of recruitment and outreach. However, rural students have the same academic potential and resilience as non-rural students when given the opportunities to succeed.

This presentation will focus on breaking down common assumptions about rural first-generation students. The presenter will challenge attendees to consider how institutional structures inhibit rural student enrollment and persistence. Finally, the session will also help the audience understand the diverse identities of first-generation students from rural backgrounds.