Career Maturity of Low-Income High-Ability Students (Poster 4)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 12:40 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG Roundtable Poster Session

Abstract

This study examines the predictors of career maturity among low-income, high-ability students, focusing on self-efficacy and academic identity. Evaluating the career maturity of students is crucial for their career development and readiness for the workforce. The sample consisted of 149 students from the Camp Launch 2022 Program. Data were collected using the Academic Identity Scale, Self-Efficacy-Academic Achievement, Self-Efficacy-Self-Regulating Learning, and the Career Maturity Inventory. Results indicated that academic achievement and academic identity significantly predicted career maturity, while self-regulated learning did not for whole sample. The findings highlight the importance of fostering academic identity to enhance career readiness in high-ability high school students from low-income backgrounds, a factor that is not significant for middle school students.

Authors

• Mihyeon Kim, College of William & Mary

• Serife Bilgic-Erdem, College of William & Mary