SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Palomar College strives to help first-generation college students continue their education by providing them with resources that set them up for success during their time on campus and after graduation.
“Palomar is a place of a million chances right, because our doors are open to everybody,” Palomar College Superintendent and President, Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey said.
A study conducted in 2021-2022 found that close to half of the students enrolled are first-generation. About 48% of graduates who receive a degree or certification are the first in their family to do so and 40% of students transfer to a four-year university.
Students receive the help they need with Federally funded programs like the TRIO Student Support Services Program.
“I don't have to worry about my textbooks or my transportation, I can focus on studying,” Palomar College First-Generation Student, Darlyn Lopez said.
Darlyn Lopez is a first generation college student, she was born in Oceanside but moved to Oaxaca, Mexico at three months old. She returned to the United States at 12 years old, she struggled with the language barrier while learning to adjust to a new environment.
“I felt like this was not the place for me,” Lopez said.
Darlyn is set to graduate in a few months from Palomar College and transfer to a four-year university. She received guidance and support from TRIO SSS that helped her navigate her way to higher education. Darlyn hopes to become an example to her younger siblings.
“I just want to become an example for them, to see that it is possible,” Lopez said.
To qualify for TRIO SSS, students must be either first-generation, low-income or registered with the Palomar Disability Resource Center. Students must also be enrolled in 12 units or more, unless part of the Disability Resource Center.
TRIO SSS requires students to demonstrate academic need and desire to earn a certificate, associates degree or transfer to a four-year university. Students must not be registered with the EOPS program on campus, which is another program that helps first-generation students.
To apply, students have to fill out an interest form on Palomar.edu, the online form consists of the students general information along with career goals. After the application is submitted, TRIO SSS staff will reach out for an interview and orientation to begin services.
Some of the free services students in the program benefit from are counseling, textbook and transportation assistance.
TRIO SSS is one of several programs on campus available that help set first-generation college students up for success after graduation.
“First-generation college students sometimes become first-generation in a certain profession or career,” Dr. Rivera-Lacey said.
Dr. Rivera-Lacey knows firsthand what it's like to navigate community college, she’s the first Latina to be the president and superintendent of Palomar College in 77 years.
“As you walk through those doors, you're holding those doors open for other people to come through,” Dr. Rivera-Lacey said.
For more information on programs available visit palomar.edu