College access and success programs, which typically take place during out-of-school time, range widely in their size, target demographics, and services offered. Although concerted funding and energy have been dedicated to college access programs, the field suffers from a significant research and practice gap. Studies have demonstrated that…

The Three article dissertation is a program review of the Counseling 50 college preparedness program at Fullerton College, Fullerton California. Article I is a comprehensive review of literature on educational legislation during the 1960s that led to the development of educational programs and opportunities for students from underrepresented…

Preparing students to succeed in college and careers requires aligned systems that allow for smooth transitions between institutions as well as integrated supports to enable learners to progress toward careers. Student transitions from secondary to postsecondary education and/or careers have long been stumbling blocks because preschool through…

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a web-based college awareness program that would aid college-bound students in their search for a college or university that fit their interests. Since there is an increase in computer usage among high school aged students, and there are a very few college awareness programs included in the…

Student Affirmative Action (SAA) outreach programs to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities and the economically disadvantaged in higher education in California started with little or no coordination and scant thought of evaluation. For a variety of reasons, which include how they were planned, how they are staffed and…

A program developed for adult aboriginal and part aboriginal underachieving students uses the novel "Wild Cat Falling" in the admission studies course of an Australian college. The program combines a study of literature with language and skills development components, encourages student self esteem, and allows students to learn through their own…

This report discusses the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, an untracking program that places previously low-achieving students in college preparatory classes. The first part of the paper describes the origins of AVID at Clairemont High School in San Diego (California) and its development into a mature program. The students…

This report summarizes the 2005-2006 program evaluation results of AISD's federally-funded smaller learning communities grant program.

The purpose of this paper is to provide the background and objectives of an evaluation study of Upward Bound (UB), a nationwide program to help selected low income high school students prepare for and enter post secondary education. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the accomplishment of two of the program's major objectives, to increase…

This document contains two studies of California curriculum enhancement projects designed to develop academic partnerships between secondary and postsecondary institutions and improve the academic preparation of students. The first study provides a qualitative evaluation of 20 projects funded by the California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP)…

This document presents guidelines and resource materials to assist individuals in planning career academies. Chapter 1 defines career academies as programs designed around the following key elements: (1) development and cultivation of a small learning community; (2) a college preparatory curriculum with a career theme; and (3) partnerships with…

This document examines issues in schoolwide application of career academies. Part 1 reviews the three defining features of career academies: (1) a career academy is a small learning community in which a cluster of students share several classes each year that are taught by the same team of teachers over a period of 2-4 years; (3) each academy…