Examining the Relationship between Academy Theme in High School and Postsecondary Major of NAF Graduates

• In Event: Career and Technical Education Student Outcomes

Abstract

We use longitudinal, student-level administrative records from the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to examine the extent to which students' high school academy theme participation aligns with their postsecondary major. Additionally, we examine signature components of the NAF academy high school student experience and its relationship with subsequent college major selection. We found that NAF graduates’ academy theme participation in high school was positively and significantly associated with their most recent major selection in college. This positive connection between high school CTE investment in high school and college majors and credentials provide evidence to the importance of helping students make informed choices about their career interests early in their high school journeys

Authors

• Edward C. Fletcher, The Ohio State University

• In Heok Lee, University of Georgia

• Nicholas Minar, NAF