"I'm Going to College": Protective Factors Shaping the College-Going Identity of Prospective First-Generation College Students of Color

A college-going identity reflects a mindset in which individuals view college as a realistic, attainable, and desirable goal. It is characterized by the belief that higher education is a vital part of one's educational journey and is accompanied by a strong aspiration to earn a degree. For students from low-income and marginalized backgrounds, this identity serves as a critical protective factor, buffering against systemic inequities, resource limitations, and low expectations that often shape their educational experiences. This qualitative study examines the protective factors shaping the college-going identity of prospective first-generation, low-income middle school students of color (N = 17). Centering students' voices, the findings illuminate how aspirations emerge through a complex interplay of personal motivation, family and cultural values, peer support, and institutional gaps. Implications for school counselors and educators are discussed.