High School Friendship Networks and College Success of Latinx Youth

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Factors Shaping Sense of Belonging in College

Abstract

This study examines the outcomes of a novel high school program that provides college support services to graduates. An ongoing longitudinal study followed 195 high school seniors for two years after matriculation. Although the vast majority faced challenges as low-income Latinx first-generation college students, 84% of graduates remained enrolled in college at the end of their second year. Sense of belonging in college has been linked to academic outcomes for Latinx youth. The present study finds that maintaining high school friendships can buffer negative effects of low sense of belonging. Social network analyses provide potential explanations for the protective associations. The study was conducted through a long-term research-practice partnership that aims to simultaneously advance scholarship and inform college support strategies.

Authors

• Christopher Wegemer, University of California - Los Angeles

• Norah Sarsour, Samueli Academy