Equity in College Access Programs: Examining Service Utilization in GEAR UP

• In Event: Topics in Contemporary Program Implementation, Evaluation, and Measurement

Abstract

Using quantitative data from GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), a federally funded college readiness grant that provides college preparation and access support to low-income students, this study investigates college readiness outcomes and service utilization among students enrolled in a large, urban school district with a culturally-relevant, college-going culture theoretical framework. Furthermore, the study aims to explore equity in services (college and career access, college tour participation, college preparation in family engagement) by ethnicity and socioeconomic status among GEAR UP participants. Analysis revealed that a significant gap exists between student groups that attend college tours. Implications and recommendations for GEAR UP program implementation, as well as pre-college outreach programs, more generally, are provided.

Authors

• Elizabeth Severance, Austin Independent School District

• Crystal (Yuanyuan) Wang, Austin Independent School District

• Marlena B. Coco, Austin Independent School District