Reducing the Postsecondary Information gap among Latino High School Students

Principal Investigator: Sylvia Martinez, Assistant Professor, Education Leadership & Policy Studies 

The proposed study seeks to expand our understanding of the magnitude and make-up of the information gap that separates Latino youth from their peers in regard to basic assumptions about college access, preparation for college, and occupational attainment. The study is a two-year project that involves assessing and addressing the information gap about college and career aspirations and preparation among high school studentsin diverse urban school environments. 

Six research questions will guide this research:

1. What is the extent of the information gap with regards to  the academic preparation necessary for college matriculation?
2. What is the extent of the information gap with regards to a desired occupational goal and perceived educational requirements for that goal?
3. What is the extent of the information gap with regards to the education or degree needed for certain fields or occupations, such as teachers, professors, doctors, or lawyers?
4. Are these information gaps greater for Latino students than students of other racial and ethnic groups?
5. What are the most appropriate means for reducing these information gaps?
6. When do the information gaps need to be reduced to have optimal impact on the desired student outcomes of high school graduation and college matriculation?

The ultimate goal of this research is to increase the number of Latino students (and other racial and ethnic minorities) in post-secondary institutions, and this project proposes that reducing the information gap about college and careers is an effective strategy for achieving this objective.