Enabling Access to Higher Education for Youths in Under-resourced Communities: University-Community Engagement

• In Event: Research Impacts of the Journal of College Student Development: A Methodological Update

Abstract

At-risk youths in underserved communities in Jamaica experience insurmountable challenges in moving beyond secondary to higher education. Only 1.7% of youth access university education (World Bank, 2017) and not many from under-resourced communities. This article demonstrates how one university enabled youths to access higher education (HE), utilizing a university-community engagement strategy. The methodology employed was qualitative case study design, utilizing interviews with at-risk youths, and desk review. Results showed that access to HE through university-community engagement provided opportunities for youths to empower themselves and communities. Researchers recommend that other universities, the government and other stakeholders use the UWI’s-community engagement strategy as a blueprint to provide access to youths in inner-city communities thereby advancing the SDG’s equitable access to HE.

Authors

• Olivene Burke, The University of the West Indies - Mona Campus

• Vanessa Ellis Colley, University of Saskatchewan