The Challenge
Alex’s concerns resonate with low-income, first-generation college students, and these concerns are not unfamiliar to people committed to educational equity.
We’ve known since the Coleman Study in 1966 the importance of socioeconomic status in determining educational outcomes.
In Boston Public Schools, a smaller percent of students who are “economically disadvantaged” compared to “all” students graduate in four years.
Rate of BPS High Schoolers Graduating
Economically-Disadvantaged
Students
All Students
The percent of “economically disadvantaged” BPS graduates are also less likely to continue on to college.
Rate of BPS High Schoolers Attending College
Economically-Disadvantaged
Students
All Students
The best indicator for socio-economic diversity that is now reported by universities to the U.S. Department of Education is Pell Grant graduation rates. First-generation college student data are not reported, but Pell is the best proxy. Six-year college graduation rates for Pell compared to non-Pell students at Massachusetts public universities also lag behind.
MA Public College Graduation Rates
Pell Students
Non-Pell Students
The graduation rates, on average, are higher at private universities but still lag for Pell students.
Earning a college degree is revered, a major life accomplishment. Like Alex, low-income, first-generation students have worked hard to cross this finish line, BUT it does not guarantee success.
They are more likely to be underemployed after college graduation and research shows underemployment can persist for years. Research also shows college grads earn less if they grow up poor. Life-time earnings of low-income college graduates compared to their peers born into higher-income families is one-half.
The estimated gap between student needs and available, comprehensive career support in Boston is:
The average ratio between university college counselors-to students is:
We know Pell students who receive career coaching are on a better track for success:
Pell Students who receive comprehensive career coaching are:
10x
more likely to intern with an employer of choice
12x
more likely to receive a “good” job before college graduation
Low-income, first-generation college students cannot afford to pay for private career counselors. FirstGen Ahead was established to support Alex and the hundreds of students like her at no cost to the student.
Sources
Coleman Study – Equality of Educational Opportunity
Massachusetts Department of Education Boston Profile Data
US Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, compiled for easy access by Robert Kelchen, PhD.
The Permanent Detour Underemployment’s Long-Term Effects on the Careers of College Grads
College Grads Earn Less if They Grow Up Poor
Mobilizing for Opportunity: Connecting Low-Income College Students to Internships and Good First Jobs
NACE: 2012-2013 Career Services Benchmark Survey for Colleges and Universities
Preparing People of Color for Leadership: An Evaluation of Management Leadership for Tomorrow’s Career Prep Program