Choices and Barriers: Why Some Students in an Intensive College Transition Program Don't Make That Transition

• In Event: 34.053 - Investigating the Outcomes of Dual Enrollment Programs

Abstract

Early colleges are a specific model of schooling designed to make the transition to postsecondary education as seamless as possible. This study examined postsecondary decision making among early college students who, despite intensive college readiness support, did not plan to continue their education at a 4-year institution. Using data from focus groups and survey with all seniors in 16 early colleges, the study found four groups of students with similar patterns of reasons, those who experienced multiple barriers, were undecided, and cited low utility and low barriers for attending a 4-year college. The study contributed to theoretical understanding of relations among variables within Social Cognitive Career Theory through adding student voices describing these connections.

Authors

• Nina Arshavsky, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Bryan C. Hutchins, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Julie A. Edmunds, University of North Carolina - Greensboro