Educational Background and Future Aspirations of Technician Students in Two-Year Programs: Emerging Findings from PathTech LIFE

• In Event: 4266 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 5. Employment and Careers

Abstract

PathTech LIFE is a national survey of 3,216 students from 96 two-year colleges enrolled in advanced technology programs nationwide. The survey includes questions about Learning, Interests, Family, and Employment (LIFE) and data was collected about students’ sociodemographic background, enrollment status, program satisfaction, campus resource knowledge and utilization, motivation to enroll, career and educational aspirations, employment status, and school-work-life balance issues. The proposed conference presentation will provide an overview of national findings as well as particular focus on under-represented groups in the technician workforce such as women, racial-ethnic minorities, and students with disabilities. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of ways to apply these research findings to improve student recruitment, retention, and completion in advanced technology programs at two-year colleges.

Author

• Lakshmi Jayaram, University of South Florida