Racial Differences in College Outreach and Academic Support Program Participants’ Sense of Belonging and Learning Outcomes

• In Event: Interrogating the Role of Identity as a Factor in the Retention Agenda

Abstract

College outreach and academic support programs (COASPs) have become a common practice in efforts to improve college persistence, but little empirical research exists that examines the relationship between COASP participation and positive outcomes. Using pre-test and post-test survey data, this study explores racial differences in COASP participants’ sense of belonging and learning outcomes. Study outcomes have implications for raising persistence rates of undergraduate students, improving COASPs’ performance, and identifying specific factors that influence student success.

Authors

• Marjorie L. Dorime-Williams, Baruch College, City University of New York

• Terrell Lamont Strayhorn, The Ohio State University

• Joseph A. Kitchen, The Ohio State University

• Leroy L. Long, The Ohio State University

• Karleton Munn

• Todd Suddeth, The Ohio State University