Collaborating for College Access: School-University-Community Partnerships in Los Angeles County

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Family-School-University Partnerships

Abstract

Universities have repeatedly pointed to the lack of preparation of students at the K-12 level, and the complexities thereof, as the reason for the low numbers of African American students in higher education. This study examines a school-university-community partnership designed to increase college access among African American students living in Los Angeles County, California. Using a multi-method approach consisting of 200 Black students and families over a ten-year period, the findings reveal how one family-school-community partnership shapes and influences the college-going rates of African American high-school students in Los Angeles County. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Authors

• Terry Allen, University of California - Los Angeles

• Jonli Tunstall, University of California - Los Angeles

• Ashley Williams, University of California - Los Angeles