Theses and Dissertations Collection

This study addressed the ways in which a University in the Pacific Northwest meets the academic and co-curricular needs of Baby-Boomer First-Generation undergraduate students. Baby-Boomers herein are defined as individuals born between 1946 and 1964, and First-Generation college students are defined as currently enrolled students whose parents are not college graduates. This methodological descriptive case explored this at-risk population’s unique academic and co-curricular needs and the support and resources provided by our nation’s traditionally youth-focused university system. This study found that universities can better support older students by meeting a needs trio of academic, co-curricular, and support for older students who are using higher education as a way to advance their careers, accomplish educational goals, and find success.