What does it mean to be first generation to college in one’s family? Bridges’ mission emphasizes increasing access to higher education for students of all ages, especially those among the first generation in their family to pursue vocational and two and four-year degrees. We do so because we know through experience how challenging it can be to be that first person in a family to contemplate college, get enrolled, navigate an unfamiliar system and persist to graduate. This is especially true when you’re also crossing cultural, economic and social lines and barriers.
This experience can transform individuals, as it did for Kristina Ortez de Jones. Jones is the director of Taos Land Trust, a first-generation to college graduate and a Bridges’ ally. Read about her journey and her belief in the impact of the work Bridges does in our community in her Spotlight Meet Kristina Ortez de Jones.
Share in the work Bridges does in supporting first generation to college students in Taos County and Northern New Mexico by donating to Bridges’ 20th anniversary Crowdfund initiative #twentytogether on YouCaring.
