Description
This study is a secondary analysis of data that have been gathered for the years 2007, 2008, and 2009 by the Step Up program which is a college outreach program offered at Hoover High School in conjunction with San Diego State University. Data from 78 participants were examined. Data include demographic variables, scores from four measures the students take as pre- and post-tests, their overall grade in the college level class that is a component of Step Up, and whether students matriculated into a two or four year college or university. Demographic and college attendance frequencies and means were computed. A factor analysis was performed on the community organizing skills and knowledge scale in order to validate it. Paired t-test analyses were conducted for each scale given as pre- and post-test measures to the students. Data from national statistics regarding all students' college matriculation were examined for comparison. Step Up program participants frequently have one or more of these risk factors. The vast majority of students are an ethnicity other than White. Most speak a first language other than English. All are from low-income families. This study demonstrates the Step Up program has a positive effect on the rate of college attendance. Results show students who participated in the Step Up program were more likely to go to college than those from a similar demographic nationwide. The Step Up program had a significant effect on college attendance; however, student's scores on the scales measuring personal characteristics were primarily unaffected.
