Roundtable: The College Completion Gap: Why Formerly Incarcerated Youth Struggle to Stay Enrolled

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Sessions

Abstract/Description

Formerly incarcerated youth face significant barriers to success in higher education, often leading them to leave college prematurely. Many feel pressure to work instead of continuing their education, struggle with feelings of not belonging on campus, and find college coursework overwhelming due to gaps in their foundational education. These gaps stem from inadequate instruction during incarceration, where high school diplomas and GED programs prioritize passing rates over genuine learning. Additionally, online courses offered during incarceration often fail to prepare students for the academic rigor of in-person college courses, leaving them feeling lost and unprepared. Compounding these challenges, colleges benefit financially from enrolling system-impacted youth but often fail to provide adequate support structures, contributing to high attrition rates. This presentation examines these systemic barriers and explores strategies for improving retention, increasing access to meaningful academic resources, and fostering a sense of belonging for formerly incarcerated students in higher education.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Cynthia Marie Blake, North Orange County Community College District

Discussants

• Anne-Marie Beck, Cypress College

• Brandon Garcia, NOCCCD / Cypress College

• Abraham Nieto, Cypress College

• Huey Hoang, Cypress College

• Travon Williams, Cypress College

• Ieisha Kitchen, Fullerton College

• Claudia Morales, Fullerton College