Navigating college pathways : an intentional approach for youth mentoring organizations to serve as agents of empowerment to increase higher education enrollment for African American students

Johnson, Vicki M. Youth mentoring organizations have a golden opportunity to become architects of intentional educational empowerment and college pathways for African American students. The objective of the research was to identify strategies implemented by youth mentoring organizations to empower African American students aged 14-18 in their pursuit of higher education and to examine how these strategies contributed to increased enrollment in higher education. Additionally, the research aimed to explore how youth mentoring organizations could improve their practices to function as direct pipelines, enhancing higher education enrollment for African American students. Grounded in the theoretical framework of empowerment theory, the study examined the practices and outcomes of three distinct 501c3 youth mentoring organizations located in the southeastern region of the United States. Using a qualitative exploratory case study approach, the research involved in-depth interviews with executive leadership and program staff members from the selected organizations. The findings revealed a multifaceted approach to empowerment, characterized by personalized support, practical resources, and intentional guidance. Each organization demonstrated a deep commitment to meeting the unique needs of African American students, providing not only academic support but also socio-emotional and cultural enrichment. The strategies and practices utilized by the three youth mentoring organizations were closely aligned with the principles of empowerment theory, which emphasized equipping individuals with the tools and confidence to take control of their lives. One of the key contributions of this research is the detailed exploration of intentional college pathways. Early exposure to college environments, structured academic preparation, and continuous mentorship were highlighted as essential components in guiding Black students toward higher education. Practical strategies such as college tours, financial literacy classes, and personalized mentoring created a supportive and empowering environment that encouraged African American students to pursue their educational goals. The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform and transform the practices and policies of youth mentoring organizations, educators, policymakers, higher education institutions and all stakeholders involved in transitioning African American youth to higher education. This research served as a model for transformation, emphasizing the necessity for youth mentoring organizations to adopt intentional pathways to higher education for African American students, ultimately contributing to educational equity and better life outcomes.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Johnson, Vicki M.

• Students, Black
• Education, Higher
• Youth--Counseling of
• Mentoring
• Youth mentoring organizations
• African American students
• Higher education enrollment
• Educational equity
• Empowerment theory
• College pathways
• Feeder program
• Qualitative case studies

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/957

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:957