School Climate in Out-of-School Settings: Social Network Insights From a Program Serving Latine Adolescents

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: School Violence and School Climate: Novel Research Findings for Prevention and Intervention (Table 10)

Abstract

Using social network analysis, this study explores how the peer relationships within a an out-of-school program relate to adolescents’ feelings of belonging, mattering, and connection, as well as perceptions of program climate. This study was conducted in collaboration with a nonprofit organization supporting would-be first generation college students, most of whom are Latine and low-income. Results revealed that higher amounts of close outgoing ties to peers were associated with higher feelings of mattering and connection, as well as more positive perceptions of program climate, and that peer ties increased significantly over the program. These findings highlight the importance of peer relationships on climate in out-of-school settings, as well as showcase possible mechanisms to support positive climate for traditionally marginalized students.

Author

• Jennifer R. Renick, University of Memphis
  Presenting Author