1st Generation Students To Speak At Rowan College Town Hall

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — First generation students at Rowan College at Burlington County are being invited to share their experiences during the college’s next virtual town hall.

“We try to provide as much information as possible because the underlying issue with many first-gen students is that they lack the knowledge or feel behind because they don’t have that circle of family and friends familiar with the college admissions process. In essence, we become their first point of contact and information,” Rowan College at Burlington County Assistant Director of Outreach and Admissions Bareeq Barqawi said. “We also try to create a rapport with them. I’ve connected with many first-gen students who don’t know what’s next and just need that extra guidance to get them to the finish line.”

The discussion, will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and will stream live on the college's Facebook page. Speakers will include 3+1 Biology student Gina DiMaio, RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce, Assistant Director of Outreach and Admissions Bareeq Barqawi and Educational Opportunity Fund Counselor Daniel Helena-Oquendo. They will discuss:

• Navigating the college landscape;
• Supports that are available to RCBC students;
• Benefits of the Educational Opportunity Fund;
• How RCBC’s Strengthening Institutions grant will help low-income, black male students; and other topics.

Helena-Oquendo, a graduate of Bloomfield College, understands the plight of the first-generation student well. A Puerto Rican transplant, he was the first in his family to graduate high school, and he earned a spot on the National Honor Society. He encourages his students to seek opportunities, take advantage of the resources available to them and stay on track toward graduation.

DiMaio, who always had a penchant for science, came from a family of trade school graduates. She independently researched colleges and spoke with friends to gain a better understanding of the process and set herself up with one of the most affordable bachelor degree programs around.

For more information about Rowan College at Burlington County’s Educational Opportunity Fund, visit rcbc.edu/eof.