<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2puVbv_1GqLYil900" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2puVbv_1GqLYil900" width="1280" height="853" >Long Beach State students called for stronger first-generation student support, expanded career opportunities and continued funding for campus programs during President Loren J. Blanchard’s first-gen student listening session.The session is among Blanchard’s larger Presidential Listening Tour initiative, which he implemented this fall semester as president. The listening sessions began on Sept.14 with the final session taking place on Dec.1.These sessions give an opportunity for faculty, students, staff, alumni and community members to share feedback about the university’s strengths and areas for improvement. Blanchard’s First-Gen student listening session was held Nov. 3 and focused on first-gen student experiences. Attending students were encouraged to discuss their campus values, along with what changes they hope to see from the university. Blanchard also reflected on his experience as a first-generation college student, sharing how his family’s support shaped his educational journey.“My parents, although they didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, they did understand the power of what higher education did and would provide,” Blanchard said.Attending students shared their concerns to protect first-gen student serving programs, such as the Educational Opportunity Program, which offers academic and financial aid counseling, tutoring and career guidance, federally funded TRiO Student Support Services and the Dream Success Center. “As a first gen, I feel like a lot of it is you’re supporting yourself,” said Michael Chanta, a TRiO student assistant and fourth-year aerospace engineering major. “Even though my parents worked hard, there was not always enough money to help cover college expenses.” With TRiO, Chanta’s work includes sharing information about campus resources, academic support, workshops and opportunities available to low income and first-gen students. For many students, challenges went beyond the classroom. Several students shared their experiences with the pressure of paying for college, worrying about their families’ financial situations, finding mental health support and preparing for a job market that feels increasingly difficult to enter. “First gen [students], they are not talking to each other. They don’t even know they are first-gen,” said Wenli Wang, a third-year studio art student. “Students from different backgrounds should have more opportunities to communicate and build connections, so they can work together to address challenges they face on campus.” Students that are interested in participating in future Presidential Listening Tour sessions can find upcoming dates, times and locations on the university’s Presidential Listening tour website. No registration is required for open in-person sessions, and students are encouraged to arrive early because seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who are not able to attend can also share their feedback through the university’s online E-Response Form.</div></body>

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Long Beach State students called for stronger first-generation student support, expanded career opportunities and continued funding for campus programs during President Loren J. Blanchard’s first-gen student listening session. The session is among Blanchard’s larger Presidential Listening Tour initiative, which he implemented this fall semester as president. The listening sessions...

First-gen students share concerns about campus programs with CSULB president

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Long Beach State students called for stronger first-generation student support, expanded career opportunities and continued funding for campus programs dur

First-gen students share concerns about campus programs with CSULB president

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