Perceived Influence of a Summer Mentorship Program

• In Event: Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Perceptions and Psychosocial Experiences of Out-of-School Time Programs

Abstract

Students with advanced academic abilities may find significant benefits in out-of-school-time programs. OST opportunities such as summer enrichment programs are a common service delivery approach for advanced academic experiences, with evidence of positive academic and social effects. Yet research on such programs generally focuses on immediate measures of program effects or perceptions, rather than perceived influences over the long term. This descriptive, retrospective study surveyed past participants in a residential, mentorship-based summer program for high school students. The survey asked respondents to report on their educational and career choices and the influence they perceive of the program. The study may inform future development efforts around OST programming for talented adolescents, as well as further research on college and career decision-making.

Authors

• Catherine A. Little, University of Connecticut

• Kelly Lynn Kearney, University of Connecticut

• Heather Spottiswoode, University of Connecticut