University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work
Abstract
This article presents an argument for attention to the experiences of first-generation college
students in the context of social work. The needs of first-generation college students are
explored as well as their strengths in connections to families and community. Attention to firstgeneration
college students is important to social work for at least two reasons: because of who
first-generation students are and because of the values held by social work as a profession. The
social work values of social justice, the dignity and worth of each person, as well as the value of
human relationships provide a framework for social work to consider the needs of firstgeneration
college students