Cultivating social capital through college access policy: Unintended civic engagement effects of GEAR UP

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Abstract

This study examines the broader policy implications of college access and success initiatives, emphasizing their role in cultivating social capital and fostering civic engagement. Specifically, it investigates the unintended effects of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) on voting behavior and volunteerism, utilizing data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS 2009). While designed primarily to enhance postsecondary access for marginalized students, GEAR UP fosters interconnected social networks through community partnerships, parental engagement, and collaborative environments. These programmatic elements contribute to the development of social capital, which, in turn, influences civic participation. Findings indicate a modest, though statistically insignificant, increase in voter turnout among GEAR UP participants, alongside a significant rise in volunteer engagement. Moreover, subgroup analyses reveal differential effects across racial groups, suggesting varied pathways through which GEAR UP fosters civic engagement among Hispanic, Black, and White students. These findings underscore how college access policies can yield unintended but beneficial effects on civic life, positioning social capital as an equity lever in education policy.

Author

• Ari Kim, The Pennsylvania State University