Parent Involvement in College Access Programs: A Synthesis of the Empirical Literature

• In Event: 26.081 - Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: 26.081-5 - College Student Access Poster Session

Abstract

Parent involvement has been cited as a critical component of college access programs, yet previous literature reviews have not examined strategies used to engage parents or associated parent outcomes. This synthesis of the empirical literature examines how college access programs build parental cultural capital, as well as how programs are adapted to be relevant to the culture of students’ families. Nine studies describing eight programs were included in the review. Findings reveal that college access programs can build cultural capital in the form of college knowledge and aspirations. Although seven programs had been adapted to serve minority communities, more research is needed to determine if these programs are more effective in reaching parents from underrepresented communities.

Authors

• Jennifer Threlfall, Washington University in St. Louis

• Saras Chung, Washington University in St. Louis