scholarly journals Testing a social cognitive model of math/science career goals in low-income prospective first generation college students

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patton O. Garriott
Author(s):  
Cassandra R. Davis ◽  
Harriet Hartman ◽  
Milanika Turner ◽  
Terri Norton ◽  
Julie Sexton ◽  
...  

In March 2020, the higher-education community faced one of its largest disruptions to date with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing campuses to close their doors to thousands of students. The university-wide closures prompted a collaboration between researchers and college administrators to assess the impact of COVID-19 on First-Generation College Students (FGCS). The team surveyed 659 FGCS across five U.S. universities to assess the ways in which the pandemic exacerbated already existing inequalities students faced in their persistence to graduate from college. The team used the social cognitive career theory as a conceptual framework for analysis. Our findings revealed that when respondents compared their life before COVID-19 with their present state, FGCS were less likely to perceive they had enough money to return to college, felt overwhelmed and lonely by added stress, and were more likely to see an increase in family responsibilities.


Author(s):  
Jessica D. Johnson

HBCU's were founded to address the needs of low income, first generation college students. However, rising tuition costs, tighter loan restrictions and poor institutional financial aid planning tools are hindering students from matriculating within the HBCU system. Radical solutions such as pre-financial aid debt tracking programs aimed at entering freshman, federal loan modification options, and a pro-active shift of equipping students are needed to adequately address these issues. This chapter will discuss the most prevalent financial aid issues facing HBCU students, as well as present viable debt reduction solutions.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anindya Kundu

Research indicates that health problems are becoming increasingly complex and prevalent among college students, while largely going without recognition or treatment. Low-income racial minority students may have additional personal and academic issues associated with demonstrating grit and overcoming barriers to entry (i.e. institutional racism) over the course of their lives. When the campus environment is not socially or culturally supportive of racial minority and first-generation college students, there is an added risk of mental health deterioration stemming from isolation for these students. The struggle to persist in college, and do so alone, can lead many to experience symptoms of impending “burnout,” or disengagement from academic settings. Drawing from a sample of interviews with low-income racial minority strivers—students who were once highly engaged—this paper offers insight into both causes and solutions for college burnout. Findings suggest that it is important to understand how experiences of isolation manifest to better support minority student populations and foster their academic reengagement to achieve at high levels. This paper outlines recommendations for improving the college experiences of racial minority and first-generation students, including examples of resources and recommendations to improve the higher education landscape towards more inclusivity and equity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 488-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda M. Gibbons ◽  
Alessandra Rhinehart ◽  
Erin Hardin

This study explored the perceived barriers and supports related to college adjustment for first-generation college students at a large public university in the southeastern United States. Using social cognitive career theory as a framework, 15 college students participated in focus groups to discuss their adjustment to college and what they believed would have helped them better prepare for college. A qualitative analysis of themes resulted in identification of various barriers and supports, provided a multifaceted understanding of college adjustment, and highlighted the importance of preparing for college. Implications for career and school counselors are provided.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-196
Author(s):  
Neeta Kantamneni ◽  
Morgan R. C. McCain ◽  
Nichole Shada ◽  
Mary A. Hellwege ◽  
Jessica Tate

Sociocultural influences may affect the academic and vocational development of first-generation college students; however, research in this area remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine how contextual influences predicted academic and vocational outcomes for prospective first-generation college students. Participants included 142 (62 males and 80 females) high school students from low-income backgrounds enrolled in a college preparatory program. Path analyses tested the fit of a social cognitive career model examining how distal (e.g., ethnic identity) and proximal (e.g., parental support, perceptions of barriers) factors predicted vocational outcome expectations (VOE), vocational/educational self-efficacy, and student engagement. Results found an adequate fit for the social cognitive career model. Ethnic identity predicted VOEs and self-efficacy. Father support and perceived barriers predicted vocational/educational self-efficacy, whereas mother support (MS) predicted VOEs. Additionally, VOEs and MS predicted student engagement.


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