Educational attainment for at-risk high school students: closing the gap

Abstract

The higher education gap persists in the United States for underserved, first-generation, low-income minority students. They often have little knowledge of college application and future success. This mixed-method study evaluated a Northeastern university-sponsored tutorial-mentorship 2-year program, Soar (pseudonym), for 80 metropolitan first-generation junior and senior high school students. One research question guided the study: Does Soar as a precollege program for underserved, first-generation, minority high school students help them successfully complete applications and prepare them for higher educational success? With college-oriented classes and workshops, the students submitted applications and received 205 acceptances from 96 colleges. Quantitative surveys and qualitative forums showed significant improvement in socioemotional and cognitive skill development and knowledge. Themes derived from qualitative focus groups supported the quantitative results. For juniors: Confidence, Aligning Schools and Strengths, Financial Literacy. For seniors: College Aspirations; Successfully Complete College Applications; Confidence, Self-Advocacy, Communication; Knowledge About Diversity of Schools and Critical Thinking. For mentors: Matching, Closeness, Trust; Confidence, Voice, Perseverance, Strengths, Goal Pursuit; Civic Engagement. The findings illustrate how an outreach program can result in higher education attainment and success for underserved, first-generation, minority high school students. Soar can become a model for college preparation for similar underserved students in other urban areas.