The Impact of Precollege Outreach Programs on the Latino Youth's Aspiration to Pursue Higher Education
Ed.D. dissertation completed in 2012 for Olivet Nazarene University.
Abstract
The Hispanic population is the fastest growing population in the United States and estimated to make up 30% of the total U.S. population by 2050, yet only 13.3% of the Hispanic population are college graduates compared to 29.4% of the total U.S. population. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact a precollege outreach program has on the Hispanic youth’s aspirations to pursue higher education. This research was conducted using 109 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from three junior high schools in Northwest Indiana and Northern Illinois. The data was collected using a survey instrument that measures the level of aspiration possessed by the student. Analysis of the data revealed that the Hispanic youth’s lack of financial college knowledge affected their level of aspiration to pursue higher education. Additionally the study revealed that a six week precollege program is an effective tool in improving the Hispanic youth’s level of aspiration to pursue higher education.