City, University of London talk FirstGens

Master’s student Valli Ramaswamy wants to use data to give back to her fellow first generation students. Alongside her MSc in Data Science at City, University of London, she is an Impact Analyst for the social enterprise FirstGens.

As the first in her immediate family to go into higher education and achieve a graduate degree, Valli understands the unique challenges this group of students face.

“First generation students can quickly feel overwhelmed and underprepared for university if they are not supported from their first year,” Valli says.

Not having parents or carers with prior knowledge of how universities work means these students are entering higher education with some gaps in their knowledge – and may experience what author Harriet Coombs describes as a “cultural shock” in the report 'First-In-Family Students' published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).

To combat this, law graduate and first generation student Alaya Holloway founded the startup FirstGens, which provides a learning and development programme for first generation undergraduate students called the ‘First To Do It Roadmap’.

The subject matter is tailored and varied. One session teaches students how to manage their workload by signposting productivity tools and resources available at university. To create an evidence-based curriculum, FirstGens received funding from Innovate UK KTN and the Prince’s Trust to carry out research. The programme is delivered through group webinars, 1:1 coaching sessions and guides.

“To give back has been the main motivator for me whilst working with FirstGens.”


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