Authors

Edward F. Martinez
Dolores C. Bilges
Sherrille T. Shabazz
Rhoda Miller
Elsa-Sofia Morote

To Work or Not to Work: Student Employment, Resiliency, and Institutional Engagement of Low-Income, First-Generation College Students

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the difference between two college persistence factors—resiliency and institutional engagement—for lowincome, working, first-generation college students. Participants in the study consisted of 52 respondents to the Family History Knowledge and College Persistence Survey. Among respondents, 50 students reported participating in some form of employment, with 9 students in workstudy, 22 students in off-campus employment, and 19 students in both work-study and off-campus employment. Data analysis shows a significant relationship between resiliency and employment type, but no significant relationship between institutional engagement and employment type. Our findings indicate students who balance academics and employment exhibit a higher resiliency toward attaining graduation.

Recommended Citation

Martinez, Edward F.; Bilges, Dolores C.; Shabazz, Sherrille T.; Miller, Rhoda; and Morote, Elsa-Sofia (2012) "To Work or Not to Work: Student Employment, Resiliency, and Institutional Engagement of Low-Income, First-Generation College Students," Journal of Student Financial Aid: Vol. 42 : Iss. 1 , Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55504/0884-9153.1040
Available at: https://ir.library.louisville.edu/jsfa/vol42/iss1/3