INSPIRE Portfolio | Kevin Nguyen - Chao Vang

First-Gen Connect

Program Summary

First-Gen Connect Elevator Speech-1.pptx Download First-Gen Connect Elevator Speech-1.pptx

Peer Network Online Intercultural Competence Activity

We did not present an Intercultural Competence Activity during the PLC however, the cultural activity that we facilitate at the beginning of some of our student peer to peer sessions is the Identity Tag Game. Participants are asked to write their preferred name in large letters and answer a simple question: "Who are you?" Answers are listed around participants' names and read off by others. This activity helps individuals explore their own cultural self-awareness, reflect on their own culturally conditioned identities and get to know each other better.

The Identity Tag Game is a low level of challenge and is best conducted at the beginning of group sessions with new participants.

This activity was conducted often during our weekly First-Gen Connect peer to peer sessions over Zoom. We modified the activity from using paper to using a Google Jamboard. Participants are to create their own slide by typing their name in large font and surrounding their name with their responses to "Who are you?" Participants can use words or pictures to respond to the question. Participants then review the slides of other participants and are encouraged to discuss with each other what they see on others' identity slides.

Intercultural Competence Activity Material for Identity Tag Game

Example Slide for Participants:

Link to Jamboard: https://jamboard.google.com/d/1Re6RjxsoXNQ49p3uh8QJt4RTGtQZ7RViSh7Uir-9RbM/edit?usp=sharing Links to an external site.

Peer Network Program Evaluation Plan

With the support of the grant, the Center for First-Generation Student Initiatives hired four student program assistants to support with programming, recruitment and student-centered curriculum. This includes the facilitation of workshops, outreach to speakers and overall assessment support. The array of offerings by the Center throughout the year, we’ve served over 3,000 first-gen students. These menus of activities include the first-gen connect, first-gen money matter series, first-gen drop ins in partnership with various equity programs for referral and first-gen celebration week. The depth and breadth of needs for first-generation students were amplified during the transitioned to virtual services. To ensure our programming and services were equitable, in addition events held via zoom, students were able to call in to participate. Further, we’ve shared electronically handouts and documents prior to sessions so students can follow along who may not have access to live zoom. The deployment of assessments continued to stay the same utilizing surveys to capture students’ experiences and feedback. The pre and post including program evaluation is a best practice that is continually implemented by the Center that can be accessed more in detail here:

Both quantitative and qualitative data sets provided us the ability to enhance and continue topic of interests requested by students and invite returning guest speakers. The following are summary of key data for your review:

A hundred percent (100%) of students, agreed stating that the presenters were engaging and informative.
Eighty-six point four percent (86.4%) of students agreed that after participating in one or more event/workshop, they have gained a sense of belonging as a first-gen student.
Seventy-two point seven percent (72.7%) of students agree that they want to try harder in school and graduate after participating in one or more events/workshops.
Seventy-two point seven (72.7%) of students agreed that they are more encouraged to find a mentor after participating in one or more events/workshops.
Seventy-two point seven (72.7%) of students agreed that it is easier for them to approach someone for support/help after participating in one or more events/workshop
Ninety point nine percent (90.9%) of students agreed that the topics were practical and something they would do on their own to improve.
Seventy-seven point three percent (77.3%) of students agreed that after participating in one or more events/workshops, were provided the skills and knowledge needed to prepare to be more successful in school.
Sixty-eight point two (68.2%) of students agreed that they have the skills and knowledge to be more than prepared for the workforce when participating in one or more events/workshops.
After participating in one or more event/workshop, a hundred percent (100%) of students realize that they have a lot to be proud of.

Program Staff

Kevin Nguyen is the Administrative Coordinator for Student Academic Success and Educational Equity Programs (SASEEP), a unit comprised of over 25 programs which work to ensure the success of students on campus. Kevin is graduating in Spring 2021 with a degree in Kinesiology and is joining the Sacramento State MBA program in Fall 2021.

Dr. Chao Vang is the Executive Coordinator for Student Academic Success and Educational Equity Programs (SASEEP). Dr. Vang oversees various areas under the SASEEP Unit, including the Center for First-Generation Student Initiatives, Project Helping Mentor Our Next Generation (HMONG), Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Center, Executive Trainers Program (ETP), and Partnerships to Advance the Value of Education (PAVE). Dr. Vang also is the lead External Relations for SASEEP.

This work was supported by the Developing Hispanic Serving Institution Project INSPIRE