"We All Should Have the Same Opportunity": Urban Youth's Experiences Negotiating Barriers to College Access

• In Event: 68.058 - Community Engagement in Urban School Settings

Abstract

Youth of color attending low-SES urban public high schools continue to experience limited access to college. This paper examines the experiences and perspectives of ten youth of color enrolled in 12th grade at an urban public high school in a low-SES community who participated in a youth co-researcher study examining how the youth prepare for and apply to college. Findings highlight barriers the youth encountered in accessing college, the tensions that emerged as they considered why these barriers existed, and what, if any, action they took in an attempt challenge such barriers. Recommendations are provided for educators seeking to create more equitable schooling experiences for youth of color attending urban public schools in low-SES communities.

Author

• Joanne E. Marciano, Michigan State University