The dropout rate among first-generation college students is significant. According to a recent report by the Education Data Initiative, 41% of students who are among the first generation in their family to go to college have seriously considered leaving school or are at risk of dismissal — a 46% higher rate than the 28% rate for non-first-generation students.
Alicia Montoya, program coordinator for Belonging and Student Engagement at the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion at Metropolitan State University of Denver, is dedicated to changing this narrative. Her mission is to provide the essential support and mentorship for first-generation students that she once needed herself.
In her previous role as Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative coordinator and Pathways to Possible success coach, Montoya supported high school students and incoming freshmen as they navigated the challenges of transitioning to college. She provided essential guidance through coaching, admissions-application support and assistance with filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid.

Alicia Montoya, program coordinator for Belonging and Student Engagement at MSU Denver's Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion, speaks during the First Generation graduation celebration on Dec. 3, 2023. Photo by Alyson McClaran
“Being the first in my family to attend college, I feel like I unlocked opportunities not just for myself but for my sister, too,” Montoya said. “I gained (access to) valuable resources and knowledge through my work at MSU Denver, and it’s important to me to give back. Helping students access this information and complete these forms is my way of ensuring they have the same opportunities.”
To help MSU Denver better support first-generation students, Montoya is creating programs that address their specific needs through her work with the First-Scholars Steering Committee.
“I didn’t receive much support with college preparation in high school and just became very passionate about helping others in similar situations,” Montoya said. “The students here are underrepresented in higher education, and they are the ones I want to advocate for.”
Empowering through advocacy
Montoya’s academic journey reflects her resilience and dedication. She explored various majors, including Nursing and Secondary Education, before finding her calling in Political Science. An online public-policy course ignited her interest in societal systems.
“I want to get into policy work, particularly into education policy,” she said.
Her involvement with MSU Denver’s Back to Work program solidified her ambition to make a difference through policy work and deepened her understanding of policy implementation. “The program offered valuable insights into how policies and bills are passed and quickly rolled out,” she said. “It taught me how, even with the best intentions, policies can have limitations or unintended consequences.”
Now, as she pursues a master’s degree in Leadership for Educational Organizations and Student Success in Higher Education at the University of Colorado Denver, her passion for higher education remains unwavering.

“She’s really passionate about the opportunities that postsecondary education offers, especially for underrepresented and underresourced individuals,” said Samanta Chumacero, health-career navigator at MSU Denver’s Health Institute. “Montoya embodies everything you want in a counselor and advisor and in a support-program specialist. She excels at creating community and building relationships, which is crucial at a university like ours.”
Transformative impact
Students such as Lluvia Saldivar have deeply felt Montoya’s impact.
“Alicia opened doors for me and was a constant support when everything else seemed confusing,” Saldivar said. “She helped me navigate motherhood and nursing school and helped me to keep going. Her advice, comfort and mentorship were invaluable.”
Saldivar also appreciated Montoya’s dedication to increasing diversity across all career fields and her particular focus on supporting Latinx people.
“Before her, I didn’t have anyone to look up to who truly understood my situation,” Saldivar said. “She was able to relate to my challenges in a way no one else could and provided support that made a significant impact. Her unwavering commitment and presence made all the difference.”
Building a legacy of success
Montoya’s efforts are paving the way for new generations of students, profoundly impacting their lives and empowering them to realize their dreams. Her dedication to supporting students is genuine and deeply felt by those around her.
“When she says she wants to support students, she truly means it,” said Chumacero. “Her deep commitment and sense of responsibility to the students she works with are evident to everyone who knows her.”