Examining the Impact of a Summer Program for First-Generation Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Needs Based on Generation Status, Class, Race/Ethnicity, and Disability (Table 5)

Abstract

The postsecondary education gap continues to grow for economically disadvantaged first-generation students due to a lack of information and access to resources regarding higher education. This research project has two purposes. First, to evaluate longitudinal data on a summer program’s effectiveness by examining the impact on student performance and preparing them for postsecondary education. Second, to explore the impact on college mentors' learning and thinking by participating as program mentors. A mixed-methods research design was used to analyze college mentors' debriefs and reflection documents along with longitudinal pre- and post-data from three years on different grade levels to answer the research questions. Findings from the study provide evidence for program effectiveness and the role of mentoring for college students.

Authors

• Stephanie Zamora Robles, Midwestern State University

• Dittika Gupta, Midwestern State University