C’mon, it’s not about “feeling good about themselves.” Nor is it as simple as a tiebreaker. Many of these kids have the drives, the ability to self advocate, family context that does emphasize education, experiences, and accomplishments. It’s wrong to paint first gens as all lost in the woods. Many are kids truly deserving opportunity. The issue is do colleges offer the support they need, once there. An increasing number do. A number also proactively offer it.
You’d need a view of these kids. Juillet is a great example, despite not initially knowing the ropes. Kudos to her and others.