Johnson C. Smith University celebrates first-generation college students
Kenyatta Reed, program and tutorial coordinator in Student Support Services at Johnson C. Smith University, knows first-hand the challenges and opportunities first-generation college students face.
“I went to Kent State University, which is in Northeast Ohio,” she said. “I was the first of my immediate family to go college. I always knew I wanted to go to school, but I wasn’t sure how to navigate the processes, like how to apply and pay for my education.”
Today, Reed and her colleagues in TRiO Student Support Services work to assist and celebrate other firstgeneration college students as they embark on their journeys through higher education and work to secure profitable careers doing what they love.
Laquavion Taylor ’26 said his motivation to come to school came from a desire to break generational struggles to improve his financial outcome.
He says TRiO has been immensely helpful during his time at JCSU.
“With TRiO, I’ve gotten help with writing papers and received tutoring for math,” he said. “I’ve also gotten assistance for my financial needs. I have gotten overall support both in and out of the classroom.”
Taylor is a Biology major and admits he knew very little about higher education until his cousin, a senior at JCSU, introduced him to the University.
Reed says her team works together to provide tutorial services for students, offer experiential learning opportunities and give them insight into the connections and resources available to them.
TRiO Student Support Services is available for students who are Pell Grant eligible, first-generation college students or have disabilities.
