Operationalizing Public High Schools as Institutional Agents for College Access in New York City

• In Event: High Schools as Agents in College Access

Abstract

We present a conceptual framework that bridges theory to practice by concretizing the role of schools as organizational institutional agents in the college planning and application process. We apply this framework to characterize how college-going culture takes root at seven non-selective public high schools in New York City where we conducted ethnographic research amidst a city-wide “college for all” policy shift. Our paper brings into focus the types of cultural capital schools can deliver as organizational entities that do not reproduce social inequality in post-secondary access. We hope both researchers and practitioners will find the conceptual framework fruitful for guiding future studies and program development with regard to the role of high schools in democratizing access to higher education.

Authors

• Janice Bloom, The Graduate Center, City University of NY

• Leigh McCallen, The Graduate Center, City University of New York

• Karen Zaino, CUNY Graduate Center

• Allison Cabana, City College of New York - CUNY