Mentoring program helps first-generation college students

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP) - A nonprofit group in suburban Chicago is helping first-generation college students and minority students to be successful once they arrive on campus.

The Lake County News-Sun reports the program called Waukegan to College was launched over the summer when incoming college freshmen met with older students or former students who were assigned to be their mentors. Those mentors - ideally students at the same college - help the new students do things like find resources as well as provide the new students someone they can share their struggles with.

Statistics show a lower percentage of first-generation students graduate than other students and organizers say mentors offering advice on something as simple as how to find a tutor might help those students succeed.