Paying It Forward: The Transformative Potential of College-Based Aspirational-Peer Mentorship for Urban High School Students

• In Event: 47.096 - MTCC Roundtable Session 20
  In Roundtable Session: 47.096-10 - Innovative Models and Programs in Urban Settings

Abstract

Improving access to college and college retention for students of color remains of critical concern in higher education. Literature exploring the development of social and cultural capital for typically marginalized students suggests various opportunities to promote college access. Developmental peer mentoring models is one approach to foster college aspirations and increase support for cross-age aspirational peers. However, scarce research on the effectiveness of these approaches exists. This study highlights one campus-based mentorship program for urban high school students and its participant’s perspectives regarding their experiences. Results indicate a positive impact on the increase of social and cultural capital of the program participants and provides insight into potential peer-mentoring interventions that can increase college readiness and access for students of color.

Authors

• Deborah Angela Perez, University of Miami

• Lydia L Ocasio-Stoutenburg, University of Miami

• Wendy Cavendish, University of Miami