UCI program helps first-generation students feel they belong

UCI associate professor Anita Casavantes Bradford keeps her mother’s GED diploma in her office at the university. This year, she, assistant professor of political science Davin Phoenix, and a group of UCI students launched the First Generation First Quarter Challenge program for freshmen on campus who are the first in their family to go to college.

UCI associate professor Anita Casavantes Bradford keeps her mother’s GED diploma in her office at the university. This year, she, assistant professor of political science Davin Phoenix, and a group of UCI students launched the First Generation First Quarter Challenge program for freshmen on campus who are the first in their family to go to college.   (Alex Chan / Daily Pilot)

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UCI students Nayarith Vasquez and Elena Contreras share their thoughts on a lesson about social capital during a First Generation First Quarter Challenge workshop at UC Irvine.   (Alex Chan / Daily Pilot)

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Workshop leaders Freddy Cruz and Monica Rodriguez guide several UCI freshmen through a lesson on social capital as part of the First Generation First Quarter Challenge program.

  (Alex Chan / Daily Pilot)

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Workshop leader Daisy Vasquez Vera helps conduct a lesson on social capital during a First Generation First Quarter Challenge workshop at UC Irvine.

  (Alex Chan / Daily Pilot)

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UCI students Kiana Hernandez and Kaely Bravo fill out their workbooks during a First Generation First Quarter Challenge workshop at UC Irvine.   ( Alex Chan / Daily Pilot)

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UCI student Elena Contreras talks with other students during a group activity for the First Generation First Quarter Challenge program.   (Alex Chan / Daily Pilot)