Youth Leadership as an Asset-Based Approach to College Access and Success Programming

• In Event: Leadership and Praxis in Higher Education: Reimagining Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Youth leadership may serve as an effective asset-based approach for preparing first-generation students for college success. While there exists research on youth-led community organizing, participatory action research, and health education initiatives, literature on youth-led college access programming is scant. This paper seeks to fill that gap. It documents the design, implementation, and results of a youth-led college access program which predominantly served low-income, first-generation students. The program had three main features: leadership training, peer-to-peer teaching, and community action projects. We found the program model was successful in equipping youth to create college access resources for their community, lead test preparatory lessons, and matriculate to four-year universities.

Authors

• Helen Chiu, MAPS 4 College
  Presenting Author

• Sarai Koo, MAPS 4 College
  Presenting Author

• George Taylor
  Presenting Author

• Gregory K. Tanaka, Center for the Study of Democracy and Social Change
  Presenting Author