Restoring School Community: College Ambition Program Center, School Friendship, and Transition Into College

• In Event: Social Capital Theory and Research

Abstract

This study examines the formation of “social capital” within school context. Using students contact logs in CAP center, friendship nomination, and survey data from the College Ambition Program (CAP), we consider whether the college-going enrollment, ambition and preparation varies between participants and non-participants. Second, we examine whether students’ formal and informal organization behaviors vary between participants and non-participants. Third, we investigate whether school social capital—center ties and school friendships support students’ transition into college. Results indicate that CAP participants are more likely to increase their college-going aspirations and establishing new friendship who shared common college-going aspirations. College-going advantage and center-specific social capital is more salient only for urban students after accounting for family background and school peer structure.

Author

• I-Chien Chen, Michigan State University