FGLI (First-Gen, Low-Income)
The term first-generation, low-income (FGLI) is commonly used to describe college students who come from an underprivileged background, often low-income or undocumented, and have become among the first in their family to be on track to complete a four-year college degree.
What is FGLI?
You may have seen the term first-generation, low-income (FGLI) floating around online. It's becoming a popular term among academics and influencers in the U.S. as a way to speak to the experience of students who've come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have either earned or are working towards a four-year college degree.
This is a term that speaks to the intersectionality of inequalities that many individuals face due to several other defining life factors. Social standing, ethnicity, citizenship status, and income level are just some of the factors that can contribute to why someone may identify as FGLI. Hence, it's important to understand what this term can signify.
What Does FGLI Mean
Further Defining FGLI
To best understand what is meant by the term First Generation, Low Income, it could also be helpful to understand what each term means separately.
Low-Income
As defined by the U.S. Department of Education, the term "low-income" applies to an individual whose household's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty line. Other definitions can include individuals with less disposable income than others, living paycheck to paycheck within a community. Or simply those who struggle to pay bills or are affected by low job security.
First-Generation
A common definition for a first-generation college student is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. While that may be true in many cases, it is important to note that this is only part of the picture, as a first-generation student can be anyone who did not have exposure to specific academic settings and may need additional resources.
Many students and their families can feel unfamiliar with the current college culture in the United States, as a lot has changed in the last several decades. This can be especially true for families that might have emigrated to the U.S. or had college-going experiences in a different country or culture.
FGLI Examples
K-12
Before college, many FGLI students attend school in communities that don't necessarily promote the college-going experience. Many grow up living in an environment that has to be more focused on simply earning an income. The concept of delaying stable employment to gain an education or explore similar experiences is a luxury that many simply can’t afford.
Another common issue in under-resourced communities is that teachers, parents, and other key authority figures might focus less on what happens after high school and more on just getting students to the "finish line" of passing 12th grade. While this isn't everyone's experience, and more teachers and mentors are stepping in to ensure students don't slip through the cracks, the narrative many young low-income and BIPOC students in the U.S. are given before their 18th birthday is that the dream of a four-year degree isn't within reach for them.
College
College is where the FGLI gap takes the spotlight. First-generation, low-income college students are those coming from both disadvantaged backgrounds and likely without much exposure to higher education. Preparing for college is a daunting task, even for those who have wealth and privilege, and for FGLI students, just knowing how to begin the college application process can feel like walking in the dark.
Even then, admission only tells a part of the story, and the road to graduation is rarely a clear path. Coming from a less advantaged background, many FGLI students may have additional responsibilities and family obligations to contend with outside of their education. There is also the issue of financing the experience, as even with scholarships and loans, the expenses can become overwhelming for many.
Workplace
Since many first-generation college students come from low-income families with minimal exposure to higher education, they might have missed out on resources and details along the way. In the workplace, issues like the network gap can become apparent and hinder the career trajectory for an individual.
The FGLI gap can also affect the way an individual sees themself. Imposter Syndrome is a common problem for people who come from underprivileged backgrounds, and this can impact a person's performance at work and the overall outcome of their career. For someone to reach their full potential, they have to believe that they can, and for many first-generation and low-income individuals, all they've known is an opportunity gap.
Why Closing the FGLI Gap is Important
FGLI voices
truly matter
Too often, in academic and professional settings, those who identify as low-income or first-generation can feel isolated by structures created by those who've never considered a less privileged experience. An equitable society gives space to FGLI experiences and welcomes them. We can't shape a better future for everyone if we're excluding voices from the conversation.
Education must be accessible
While a college education does prepare you for your career, it is also a time to explore, develop interests, and understand the life you find most meaningful. This is an experience that everyone should be offered, regardless of their background.
This issue is intersectional
Simply put, when more is done to address the gaps faced by FGLI students, we can solve the root issues that create this experience. Many circumstances contribute to an under-resourced community or why a college education was inaccessible for an individual's family members and peers. Looking authentically at the life experience of being first-gen or low-income is a crucial step in building a better society for all.
FGLI Statistics
Just 11% of FGLI students earn their first degree within
six years
According to a 2018 study from the Pell Institute, only 11% percent of students from the lowest-income quartile earn bachelor's degrees within six years. This compares to 58% of students who come from the highest-income groups.
Only 1 in 3 low-income students have grown up with
a mentor
According to a survey of 9 million first-generation and low-income adults by The National Mentoring Partnership, 66% of those surveyed grew up without a formal mentor during their formative school years. With that number only lowering to 56% during high school years.
FGLI students are 2x more likely to withdraw from
college classes
The 2020 U.S. Census survey showed that individuals from households with incomes under $75,000 were nearly twice as likely as those with incomes over $100,000 to drop out of their college plans.
FGLI Resources
First Gen Journey: Stories of Success from First Generation Professionals
This podcast was created by Elisa Hernandez, Ph.D., a licensed counseling psychologist and first-generation college student who speaks from experience about navigating the path of academia as a first-gen. Listen for resources and insightful conversations about culture, identity, and success.
Listen here >
WBUR: Data Points To Second Year Of College Enrollment Decline
In this article by Katie Lannan, we get an insight into how the data surrounding college enrollment is changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports around FAFSA help forecast the climate in higher education and how it’s affecting FGLI students.
Read more >
Stanford Magazine: First-gen, Low Income and Claiming a Community
In this 2019 feature by Diana Aguilera for Stanford Magazine, the experience of a first-gen, low-income student at a university like Stanford is explored. A spotlight is placed on three students who've been trying to ensure that first-gens feel empowered.
Read more >
How To Help Bridge the FGLI Gap
Volunteer your time
A great way to help bridge the FGLI gap is to look for ways to support those in your immediate community or online. If you've found success in your academic experience and want to help others navigate the ins and outs, consider becoming a mentor.
Donate to a cause
Organizations are working to address the gap faced by first-generation, low-income individuals. Several non-profits organize programs and events that cater specifically to FGLI individuals. You can support the community by making a financial contribution.
Learn and share resources
Knowledge is power. The simplest way to help close the FGLI gap is to learn more about this experience, especially if you identify with it. Share with others in your community and make sure everyone is just as informed. You can get started with the resources below.