Are students who attend full-day kindergarten better prepared for future academic success than their peers who attend half-day kindergarten programs? Much of the current research on full-day kindergarten programs suggests they are. Researchers cite gains such as increased academic achievement, lower grade retention rates, improved attendance, and…

Talent Search projects identify and assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial aid counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice. Talent…

This paper provides the results of a review of the empirical literature on interventions with antisocial problem behavior Hispanic youth. It explores the process of developing and evaluating culturally competent interventions. A review of a number of interventions, focusing on three in particular, suggests that cultural conflict is at the root of…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Pyramid method, an educational method for 3- to 6-year-olds. The Pyramid method seeks to improve young children's chances for a successful primary school career, particularly among ethnic minorities (of Turkish, Moroccan, Cape Verdian, and Surinam origins) and Dutch children of poorly educated parents.…

This digest describes the essential components of college preparation programs for urban and minority youth. The digest suggests that such programs must attend to the cultural norms of the community and their own political contexts in order to increase students' access to, enrollment in, and graduation from college. College preparation programs…

This digest reviews approaches that have been proven effective in preparing urban minority youth for college. Precollege programs that offer comprehensive approaches and combine a variety of services have the largest impact on college access for minority youth in low-income neighborhoods. The most effective programs are of substantial duration and…

The National Study of Effective Title I Schoolwide Programs was initiated to address the lack of information on how schoolwide programs affect teaching and learning and student outcomes and to develop a critical empirical base for strengthening the implementation of Title I programs in service of students in high poverty schools. This paper…

Describes Job Corps, an expensive residential program for employability training and renewal services, offered to disadvantaged American youth aged 16-22. Six principles (i.e., voluntary participation, open entry/open exit, individualization, accountability, comprehensiveness, and contractor competition) are the reasons for an employability record…

Studied the effectiveness of the Vocational Exploration Group (VEG) in increasing the vocational maturity of economically disadvantaged Black students. Found VEG participants improved significantly and were more able to appraise their job-related capabilities. They were also more knowledgeable about the world of work. (Author/JAC)

Examines the effectiveness of the Adkins Life Skills Employabilities Series, a curriculum designed to help disadvantaged adults choose, find, get, and keep a job. Subjects were 350 New Jersey Learning Center students. Overall, evidence suggests program participants increased employability skills. (Author/CSS)

Describes a comprehensive program developed on the basis that children can succeed academically when given appropriate resources and support early in life. Describes the philosophy and major elements of the program and reviews major findings from cross-site and longitudinal evaluations. Highlights recent research on factors regarding program…

Describes two single-track year-round elementary schools in Durham, North Carolina, established in discrete attendance zones. Remediation and enrichment activities were provided during intersession. Low-SES students were overrepresented in remediation sessions. Student outcomes data (end-of-grade reading and math test scores) suggest that…

This study examined effects of a summer reading instruction program as part of an 8-week summer day camp experience for 61 disadvantaged first grade children. Two hours of direct explicit reading instruction daily were supplemented with a literacy-rich camping experience. Post-tests indicated the experimental group not only obviated usual summer…

Describes a study that used Unemployment Insurance/Social Security Insurance wage data to examine the effects of participation in educational programs at a multicultural, inner city community college. Reports impressive gains in earnings for economically disadvantaged students who completed associate degrees (257%) and for associate degree…

Examines six mentoring programs conducted by fraternities and other organizations to ascertain the perceptions of participants of the effectiveness of their involvement. Results with 51 mentors and 54 African-American male adolescents support the positive impact of mentoring programs. Mentoring can be an important component of multifaceted…