Masters Thesis

Individuals that have been in the foster care system and their perception of academic achievement and attainment of higher education

The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore the perceptions of African American former and or current foster care youth and their perception of academic achievement and attainment of higher education. This study aims to find the educational experiences of individuals that have been in foster care and to learn how their experience contributed to their perception of higher education. The study included in-depth interviews of 8 participants, all of whom are current or were former foster youth. These in-depth interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The data was first coded by topics and then grouped into themes. Analysis of four main themes and eight sub-themes emerged from the perceptions of the participants of this study in regards to higher educational attainment. The main themes were family, school, community, and self-reliance. The sub-themes were: parent or guardian support, family or other support outside of a parent or guardian, supportive educational professionals, support from high school and college programs, child welfare caseworkers or social workers, outreach resources for foster parents/guardians, self-advocacy and resilience. This study uses qualitative interviews to add to existing research, in that the research strives for a holistic understanding of academic achievement and attainment of higher education among African Americans that have been in care. Early implementation programs for college readiness, financial literacy, and professional development is drawn from this data.

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