Improving College Readiness and Pursuit of Underrepresented Diverse Students Through Research-Supported Practices

• In Event: Roundtable Session 57
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluation of Programs to Enhance College and Career Readiness

Abstract

This quantitative research study investigates how participation in comprehensive student services affects underrepresented diverse students’ college readiness and pursuit. The alumni survey and longitudinal archived data from the 384 students who graduated from a high-poverty urban school were used to measure the impacts of the comprehensive counseling program. Results revealed participation in comprehensive school counseling activities is associated with higher percentages of college readiness and pursuit. Particularly, program participants have significantly higher rates of SAT taking, SAT scores, FAFSA completion, and postsecondary application. As researchers seek to produce scientific knowledge that educators could use to improve large urban school systems these findings further solidify current urgencies to re-visit school counseling programs.

Author

• Olcay Yavuz, Southern Connecticut State University