Factors That Influence Community College Persistence and Completion Rates Among Former Foster Youth Student Single Mothers

• In Event: Innovative Interventions and Supports in Community College Programs

Abstract

Former foster youth are one of the lowest-performing groups at the college level, despite existing support programs. Former foster youth student-single mothers may face even further barriers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the personal and institutional supports and barriers that affected persistence and completion rates at the community college level, and the impact that being a former foster youth student-single mother has had on their educational journey. The theories of Care, Social Capital, and Resiliency provided the framework for the research and interview questions. Narrative inquiry was used to interview eight former foster youth student-single mothers. The emergent findings illuminated the factors influencing the participants’ persistence and completion rates at the community college level.

Author

• Linda Ruiz, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona