Collaborating for College Access: Counseling and Family Engagement in Urban High Schools

• In Event: Family Engagement in Secondary and Postsecondary Schools

Abstract

Amid persistent racial and economic disparities in college attainment, family involvement holds promise as a valuable avenue through which to support the goal college access for all students. Unfortunately, low-income parents and parents of color continue to face an array of barriers to effective involvement. For this reason, college counselors are increasingly called upon to assist in developing partnerships among families, schools, and other community members as part of an expanded role as equity-oriented leaders. In order to better understand the possibilities and challenges of such efforts, this paper explores how college counselors in a large, urban district think about, engage in, and experience efforts to connect with families.

Authors

• Paul Kuttner, University of Utah

• Tangela Blakely Reavis, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Kelly K. Rifelj, Tulane University