Queen’s sees 38 per cent increase in first-generation university students since 2017

New recruiter to focus on prospective students in the Greater Toronto Area

Image by: Meg Kirkpatrick
Richard Mitchell is the new First-Generation Recruitment Representative.

The First-Generation Student Admission Pathway was launched in 2017 with the goal of recruiting first-generation students—those who would be the first in their families to attend university—to come to Queen’s. 

Since its launch, Queen’s has seen a 38 per cent increase of self-identified first-generation students registered in their first year of studies.

This pathway helps first-generation university students through several community organizations and partnerships to overcome socioeconomic barriers and adversities that may affect them.

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Queen’s has added eight new community partnering organizations since the program launched, adding to a total of 11 partners including Pathways to Education, Black Youth Mentorship Program, and Empowerment Squared. 

These organizations work with at-risk, marginalized, newcomer, and low-income youth to support them and their families when completing secondary education and seeking        post-secondary opportunities. 

Due to the program’s success and momentum, Queen’s Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment has hired First-Generation Recruitment Representative, Richard Mitchell. 

Mitchell has over 12 years of experience working with youth in the Greater Toronto Area and comes from one of Queen’s community partners, Pathways to Education.

He replaces Pavan Pasha in this role, who left to pursue a law degree. 

From the moment a prospective first-generation student considers applying to Queen’s, Mitchell becomes their main contact and support.

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The First-Generation Student Admission Pathway falls under the First-Generation Student Admission Policy, which was based off the Aboriginal Admission Policy which contributed to the 156 per cent increase in self-identified Indigenous students at Queen’s since its launch in 2011. 

Supports provided through this pathway include educational and career planning for prospective first-generation students as young as grade seven, financial and parental assistance, and introductions to the academic and financial resources available at Queen’s. 

The University offers a specific admission bursary for students affiliated with the Pathways to Education organization and a First-Generation Admissions Award to further provide financial assistance to students admitted through the policy. 

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Tags

Admissions, first year, on-campus recruitment

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