Building Aspirations, Aligning Expectations, and Breaking Barriers: The Career Goals of Prospective First-Generation College Students
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| Title: | Building Aspirations, Aligning Expectations, and Breaking Barriers: The Career Goals of Prospective First-Generation College Students |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Nina R. Schoonover, Asha Muralidharan, Russell Carlock, Tra Nicholson, Ben Allen |
| Source: | AERA Online Paper Repository. 2025. |
| Availability: | AERA Online Paper Repository. Available from: American Educational Research Association. 1430 K Street NW Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-238-3200; Fax: 202-238-3250; e-mail: subscriptions@aera.net; Web site: http://www.aera.net |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Speeches/Meeting Papers Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Junior High Schools Middle Schools Secondary Education High Schools Higher Education Postsecondary Education Elementary Education Grade 8 |
| Descriptors: | Middle School Students, Secondary School Students, College Bound Students, First Generation College Students, Low Income Students, Occupational Aspiration, Family Influence, Economic Factors, Barriers, Student Attitudes, Social Support Groups, Social Influences, Career Readiness, Grade 8, Latin Americans, African American Students |
| DOI: | 10.3102/2186074 |
| Abstract: | A crucial step in a secondary student's career decision making path is exposure to college and career fields to elevate future aspirations and expectations. Students from vulnerable populations are at particular risk of "career uncertainty", which can impact future career success. This study focuses on prospective first-generation college students (PFGCS) enrolled in an out-of-school, university-sponsored youth program designed for PFGCS and students from low-wealth communities in 7th through 12th grade. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a framework, interviews and artifacts were collected from PFGCS to explore these students' aspirations, perceived barriers, and networks of support. Themes of family as a motivating factor, support from adult mentors, and exposure to out-of-school career programming were derived through coding analysis. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED678334 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | A crucial step in a secondary student's career decision making path is exposure to college and career fields to elevate future aspirations and expectations. Students from vulnerable populations are at particular risk of "career uncertainty", which can impact future career success. This study focuses on prospective first-generation college students (PFGCS) enrolled in an out-of-school, university-sponsored youth program designed for PFGCS and students from low-wealth communities in 7th through 12th grade. Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a framework, interviews and artifacts were collected from PFGCS to explore these students' aspirations, perceived barriers, and networks of support. Themes of family as a motivating factor, support from adult mentors, and exposure to out-of-school career programming were derived through coding analysis. |
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| DOI: | 10.3102/2186074 |
