Celebrating the Strength of First-Generation and Limited-Income Families and Supporters

Congratulations to you and your family for embarking on this exciting journey! Having a first-generation and or limited-income student attend college is an incredible achievement, not just for them but for the entire family and community that supported them along the way. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of both your student and their supporters. Together, you are breaking barriers, setting a new course for future generations, and contributing to a powerful legacy.

As the first in your family to attend college, your student may encounter unique challenges, but with your unwavering support, the resources that Rice University provides, and their own strength and determination, they will be equipped to handle anything that comes their way. Your role as family and friends in this transition cannot be overstated—your encouragement, guidance, and involvement are key to their success.

The Importance of Family and Supporters in the Transition to College

While your student is stepping into a new chapter, you are also entering this new experience alongside them. The support and love you offer will continue to be the foundation for their success. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty but remember: your student’s success is your success too. They are carrying with them the values, traditions, and lessons you’ve instilled, and those will be an important part of their journey at Rice.

Here are a few ways to actively support your student during their transition:

1. Stay informed: Keeping up with updates from New Families Orientation and familiarizing yourself with the resources available to your student will ensure you can offer advice and guidance when needed.
2. Encourage organization: Suggest that your student keep copies of important paperwork, track their conversations with Rice staff (including names, departments, and key details), and stay organized. This will help them navigate campus resources more effectively.
3. Be patient and learn together: The transition to college is a learning experience for everyone involved. As your student adjusts to their new environment, there may be ups and downs. Patience and understanding on both sides will help smooth the way.
4. Continue being their biggest cheerleader: Just because your student is devoting more time to their academic and social life at Rice doesn’t mean they are losing their connection to family values. Your encouragement, love, and support are what helped them reach this point, and they will continue to rely on that during their college journey.

Owl Access: Families Transition Program

Rice University understands that college is a major transition not only for students but also for families. That's why we created the Owl Access: Families Transition Program—a 1.5-day program designed specifically for the families of first-generation and/or limited-income (FGLI) students. This program runs alongside the Owl Access student programming, offering an opportunity for families to learn more about how to best support their student during this important phase of life.

During the Families Transition Program, you will:

• Gain insight into the college experience, specifically as it relates to FGLI students.
• Learn about the resources, offices, and services at Rice that will support your student’s academic, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Meet and connect with Rice faculty, staff, and fellow parents who are also supporting FGLI students.
• Attend workshops that provide information on everything from financial aid to student health, helping you feel confident in your role as a supporter.
• Understand the common challenges that first-generation students face and how you can partner with Rice to empower your student to overcome them.

By participating in the Families Transition Program, you will be able to walk alongside your student during this exciting new chapter, equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to help them succeed.

The Power of Legacy and Pride

Being a first-generation college student is a tremendous source of pride—not only for the student but for their entire family. As your student embarks on this journey, know that their accomplishments reflect your hard work, sacrifice, and love. The experiences and values you have shared with them are the foundation upon which they will build their future success. Every milestone they reach is a shared victory for the entire family.

You are not just witnessing your student’s growth—you are contributing to it. This is a time to celebrate your collective achievements and embrace the bright future ahead. There will be moments of stress and adjustment, but overall, this should be a time of joy and excitement. Together, you are making history, and your family’s legacy is one of strength, perseverance, and triumph.

As your student steps into the world of higher education at Rice, we want you to know that you are an essential part of this journey. Your involvement and encouragement will be a key factor in their success, and Rice is here to support not only your student but also you, as you both learn and grow through this experience.

If you have any questions about the Families Transition Program or want to know more about how to support your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chelsea Blake at Chelsea.Blake@rice.edu.

Welcome to the Rice family—together, we will make this an unforgettable journey of growth, achievement, and pride!

Thank you,

Chelsea Blake, M.Ed.