From Texas, first-generation students share their journeys to college

The World
Santana

High school graduation can be a milestone for many first-generation college students and their families.

As part of our Global Nation reporting on education, KUT's Kate McGee met with students who participated in Breakthrough Austina non-profit that supports first-generation students to get their high school degree. 

[[entity_id:"90168" entity_type:"node" entity_title:"KUT GNe"]]

Breakthrough meets these students in middle school, pairs them with a counselor and helps them get into good high schools in Austin and succeed academically. They also help them understand the college application and financial aid processes.

This month, reporter McGee met with some of the graduating students and their families. These are the stories they shared.

>>>

First generation college student Lucy Salcedo is headed to Texas Tech University to study computer engineering.

When she came to the US from Mexico as a child, no one in her family spoke English.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!