The Relationship Between High School Sophomores' Purpose Orientations and Their Postsecondary Attainment

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Division E Counseling Poster Session

Abstract

This session will present a recent study that explored the relationship between high school sophomores’ purpose orientations and their post-secondary education completion ten years later based on examining the data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. The study showed that students whose life purpose was related to taking care of their family were more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree and advanced degree as of 2012. Also, students who aspired to get a steady job and excel in their career were more likely to attain advanced degree ten years later. The presenters will discuss the role of purpose-centered interventions in encouraging high school students to pursue college education based on their life’s fundamental aspirations and sense of purpose.

Authors

• Gitima Sharma, California State University - Fresno

• Jungnam Kim, University of Nevada - Las Vegas