Quantitative Study of Counselors as Social Capital Agents for Undocumented/Citizen Students from Mixed-Status Families

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: Counseling Poster Session A

Abstract

Undocumented and citizen students from mixed-status families (UCM students) encounter significant barriers to college access because of their own or their family members' citizenship status. Using social capital theory, Stanton-Salazar’s concept of institutional agents, and the Wisconsin Status Attainment Model’s idea of a significant other, this study identifies, positions, and conceptualizes public high school counselors as social capital agents for UCM students. As one of the first empirical studies to gather quantitative data from over 400 U.S. public high school counselors, it examines how counselors support UCM students’ college transitions during a time of highly volatile immigration politics in recent U.S. history.

Author

• Jenifer L. Kelson, Claremont Graduate University