The Impact of a Bridge Program on College Success of Academically and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Students: Race, Relationships, and Rigor

• In Event: 79.030 - Success in the First Year of College

Abstract

Low rate of college graduation and persistence in college enrollment has been a significant and persistent issue among Boston Public School (BPS) graduates. In response to Success Boston College Completion Initiative, Northeastern University has launched the Foundation Year program since 2009, aiming to prepare academically and socioeconomically disadvantaged urban students succeed in their first year of college and beyond. This mixed-methods evaluation study examines the effects of the program on BPS students’ college graduation and persistence rates and identifies a set of unique high impact practices that have contributed to the success of the program.

Authors

• Yufeng Qian, Louisiana State University

• Corliss Brown Thompson, Northeastern University