Pebbles in a Field and Other Nuggets Learned From Four Text Messaging and Advising Interventions

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Despite decades of attention focused on closing postsecondary opportunity gaps, racial and ethnic disparities persist and degree attainment by socioeconomic status continues to widen. Many obstacles restrict access to college, especially for lower-income, minority, and first-generation students and although we have seen increases in students’ college aspirations, they need more than just high aspirations to get to college. Students need structured support and access to accurate postsecondary information. Technology based educational interventions are on the rise and text messaging has been viewed as a promising way to engage students in the college access process. This symposium will present findings from four virtual and face to face college counseling interventions that utilized text messaging to support students navigating their postsecondary path.

Sub Unit

• Division E - Counseling and Human Development / Division E - Section 1: Counseling

Chair

• Laura Owen, San Diego State University

Papers

• Student Experiences of Text Message College Counseling: Evidence From a 15-State Intervention - Venus Israni, Boston College; Karen D. Arnold, Boston College

• Student Engagement in Virtual College Affordability Advising: Advisor and Student Perceptions of Best Practices - Jonathan Lewis, uAspire; Karen D. Arnold, Boston College

• Student Engagement in Text Message College Advising: Perceptions of Best Practices Among Program Leaders and Advisors - Laura Owen, San Diego State University; Jasmine Byrd, American University

• School-Based Text Messaging and Advising to Improve College Enrollment and Success: Lessons Learned - Laura Owen, San Diego State University; Karen D. Arnold, Boston College

Discussant

• Mandy Savitz-Romer, Harvard University