The Roles of Counseling and Teachers for African American Student College Choice

• In Event: 41.083 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 41.083-7 - The Impact of Information and Data in Education

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the experience of 74 African American high school students and their college choice process. Using Hossler-Gallgher’s College Choice Model and Community Cultural Wealth, the authors explored how students navigated the college application and choice process within their school context. Findings reveal that students in more affluent schools encountered more resources while students in less resourced schools had limited support from counselors who were not well versed on the various college systems. Findings can help researchers and practitioners better support African American high school students during their college application process and ensure that they have all the necessary information available in order to apply and select the best college for them.

Authors

• Eligio Martinez, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

• Thandeka K. Chapman, University of California - San Diego

• Frances Contreras, University of California - San Diego

• Nallely Arteaga, University of California - Riverside