Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

First-Generation College Students: Forensics Fulfilling A Family Support Function, Elizabeth Kate Stoltz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

One in three students is a first-generation college student. First-generation college students are continuing to increase in enrollment each year. Previous research has explored the communication challenges and communication patterns of first-generation college students. However, research has not explored if an activity like forensics can fulfill a family support functions for first-generation college students. This project used a qualitative retrospective survey of open-ended questions was used to collect data. Themes emerged relating to the first-generation college student experience, the forensic team experience, and the forensic team as a family. The thesis concludes with conclusions and a presentation of future research.