College Interest and College Choice: The Impact of a Precollege STEM Mentoring Program for Latino Students

• In Event: Division H Vice-Presidential Invited Session: Fresh and Innovative Graduate Student Work in School-Based Research, Evaluation, and Assessment

Abstract

What influences high school students’ college interest and college choice? Do academic mentoring programs provide students with adequate support and guidance? This study utilizes pre and post-survey data and focus groups from 63 students to explore the impact of a STEM mentoring program on Latino students. Data were gathered to identify the impact of the program on students’ self-efficacy, belongingness, engagement, college plans, and the postsecondary decisions of graduating seniors. While the program was successful with a high rate of postsecondary acceptance, the decisions of graduating seniors contradicted the preparation for STEM majors and careers. The findings of the study suggest further exploration of students’ selection process and additional factors that result in disproportionate postsecondary enrollment.

Author

• Taneisha Lee, Georgia Institute of Technology