Parents' Insights on Their Perceptions of and Their Children's Experiences in a College Access Program

Abstract

This report summarizes the findings of focus groups conducted with parents of former and current participants in the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP), a college access and preparation program for low-income and high-achieving students attending public high schools in Princeton, New Jersey, and its surrounding communities. Conducted as part of the evaluation of PUPP by Educational Testing Service, the parent focus groups provided insights into the perceptions parents have of PUPP, its impacts on their children, and their suggestions for programmatic improvements. Findings suggest that parents perceived that PUPP prepared their children for academically rigorous environments and supported the development of their social–emotional skills. Parents also praised PUPP's assistance with the college and financial aid application processes but noted that their children continued to face financial challenges despite receiving sizeable aid packages. Overall, parents would like to see PUPP expanded to serve more students in more public high schools.