Understanding Undermatching: The Role of Community Organizations in Supporting College Access for Young Men of Color

• In Event: Understanding the Role of Undermatching and Institutional Selectivity in College Choice

Abstract

This research examines the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) in addressing undermatching, where academically capable students from low-income, marginalized backgrounds disproportionately attend less selective colleges than their qualifications allow. Using an instrumental qualitative case study of a college-access-focused CBO, the study identifies mechanisms through which these organizations bridge knowledge gaps, foster support networks, and develop college-going capital for disadvantaged students. The findings highlight the potential of CBOs in transforming inequitable college choice processes and disrupting racial injustices, suggesting the need for personalized guidance, comprehensive support, and critical capital to foster equitable college access. Further research is recommended to explore these dynamics across different contexts and populations.

Author

• Rhoan D. Garnett, WeBe Collab