The Relationship Between a College Preparation Program and At-Risk Students' College Readiness

Abstract

This study evaluates the relationship between elements of a college preparation program and the college readiness of low-income and/or Latina/o students at the completion of 6 years of participation in the program. Hours of participation in tutoring, mentoring, advising, college campus visits, summer programs, and educational field trips are examined in relationship to students' college-track course completion and Preliminary SAT (PSAT) participation. In addition, the relationship between students' expectations for college and their ranking of program activities is examined. Results indicate that key program elements related to college readiness include advising, college campus visits, and college information through booklets and speakers.

Keywords:

• Latina/o
• at-risk students
• college readiness
• socioeconomic status
• college preparation program
• program elements