Who Wants to Go to College? We Do! The Impact of a College Access Program That Begins in Third Grade for First-Generation College Students

• In Event: College Access Programs and College Enrollment

Abstract

Access to post-secondary education for first generation college students has become even more important after COVID-19 brought to the forefront the most affected in the workforce; those who had a high school degree or less. College access programs play a vital role to move the needle in closing the educational achievement gap. These programs provide the support and opportunity for first generation college students to enroll, persist and graduate from college. This study will examine a college access program in Southern California that begins in third grade. A phenomenological approach will examine the experiences as a family, student and parent and how it impacted their (student) college aspirations to enroll, persist and graduate from college within six years.

Author

• Cristina Aguirre, Barrio Logan College Institute