An Exploration of Black Student Experiences and Success With/in a College Preparatory Program

Abstract

low income, first-generation students, but rarely do they address students of color, and specifically Black students, who may be dealing with more than just financial instability, pointing to a gap in the literature. Furthermore, the literature is often deficit and focuses on the shortcomings of underrepresented youth, instead of their successes and how they reach their success. While college preparatory programs positioned within institutions across the country continually make commitments to increase college attendance, awareness, and exposure (Perna, 2002), less is known about the experiences of students that have participated in these programs.