This community-based participatory research project engages 16 high school students, who are students in the Elon Academy, as co-researchers. Through interviews, focus groups, participant observation, surveys, and photovoice, the scholar-researchers explore how intersections of social location, e.g., race, class, gender, and sexuality, produce barriers to and opportunities for college access.
Research shows that low-income, minority, and first-generation college students are underrepresented on US college campuses, producing and maintaining social and economic inequalities, but also provides unique opportunities for them to contribute to college communities. Initial findings include experiences with discrimination as a source of strength (particularly with students of color), income as a significant barrier to college access, and stereotyping as a challenge to overcome as well as a source of self-doubt. Results of the study will be shared through the publication of a book that scholars will complete this summer.
Five scholar–researchers were selected to present their research through a poster presentation at the Society for Applied Anthropology in Seattle, Washington in March/April 2011. These scholars have fundraised the money to pay for their trip. While in Seattle, in addition to attending the conference, scholars will visit other college access programs (Treehouse, New Futures, and Rainier Scholars Program), take a tour of the University of Washington and enjoy sightseeing in the city.
Submitted by Janelle Rouse, coordinator for education outreach in the School of Education.
