Surviving the Dark Times: The Effect of Mentors on Educational Attainment of At-Risk Youth

• In Event: Altering the Trajectories for At-Risk Youth

Abstract

Growing up in dangerous communities often present youth with many obstacles including failing schools, poverty, and crime. What about the youth who have beat the odds? Understanding the factors that have aided in the college attendance of residents from challenged neighborhoods could be key to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence in these high crime areas. Using interviews of college respondents (n=20 Male; n=20 Female) who grew up in one of America’s “most dangerous cities” this research focused on the effects of informal and formal mentors in encouraging educational attainment among these at-risk youth. Gender differences are explored, policy and research recommendations are offered.

Author

• Shelby Tucker, Rutgers University, Camden