It is more important now than ever before to have a diverse, highly skilled, and better educated workforce in order to compete in a global economy. Society has to increase the number of college graduates to ensure positive economic growth and, more importantly, to enhance society as a whole. Citizens who are better educated are more likely to vote and participate in their civic duties. However, less than one-third of the U.S. population holds a bachelor's degree; the percentage is even lower among African Americans and Hispanics. A key component of achieving the goal of increasing the number of a better educated workforce is to increase the number of first-generation minority college students. This research explored the social motivating factors that influence a first-generation minority college freshman to pursue a postsecondary education. Based on the results of this study, family influence was the most influential factor that influences first-generation minority students to pursue a postsecondary education. The results of the phenomenological research conducted in this dissertation could help create programs to assist parents and school administrators to encourage more minority students to become first-generation college students. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]