First-generation college students are students whose parents do not have a college degree, and they face numerous barriers in college. Yet, several first-generation college students (FGCS) are successful and are on-track to graduate with a bachelor's degree in four years. Their success is important because education is associated with increased income, quality of life, and social mobility, making educational attainment even more significant in Louisiana, which has both low educational attainment and high poverty. Little is known about what can be done to close the achievement gap. It is important to analyze what helped FGCS succeed so that higher education administrators, faculty, and staff can help other FGCS succeed. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand how students' involvement in TRIO programs such as Upward Bound has affected their decision to persist in obtaining a postsecondary degree. The overall aim in the study was to explore critical influences on the student's participation in these services, particularly those that influenced their decision to obtain or not obtain a postsecondary degree. The results of this study suggest the programs implemented by our government and begun by President Lyndon Johnson have helped circumvent the forces that are known to impede persistence in obtaining a postsecondary degree. The findings also revealed that the family background is not the final factor in determining a student's level of Social and Cultural Capital. The support provided by TRiO coordinators and programs was shown to be a stronger determining factor of whether a student will enroll and persist in obtaining a college degree. The high school experience can be enhanced by the support provided by these federally funded programs to motivate students to enroll and stay in college. Recommendations for both future research and future practice were included to help first-generation college students succeed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]