Valuing Family, Mentorship, and Joy: Career Learning Experiences of Middle School Prospective First-Generation College Students

• In Event: Families and postsecondary students: Relationships and engagement

Abstract

Middle school is a critical period of identify formation, academic achievement, and career exploration, particularly for prospective first-generation college students (PFGCS). This study focused on the career learning experiences of 15 8th graders identified as PFGCS and enrolled in an out-of-school, university-sponsored program. This project emerged out of a mixed-methods, longitudinal project studying the implementation of the out-of-school youth program, and the data analyzed were semi-structured interviews. The participants were found valuing family, mentorship, and joy in their career learning experiences and career decision making. The findings from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the career development process for PFGCS and inform efforts to enhance college and career readiness programs for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Authors

• Nina R. Schoonover, University of Virginia

• Russell Carlock, Albemarle County Public Schools

• Joseph M. Williams, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Ben Allen, University of Virginia