Imparting social capital to educationally disadvantaged students: A study of the Early Academic Outreach Progra

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the process of an academic preparation program, also known as an outreach program, imparting social capital to educationally disadvantaged students. The particular form of social capital to be examined will be the college knowledge needed to successfully prepare for college admission. The theoretical framework used is Coleman's theory of social capital defined in terms of forms, norms, and resources. Study participants were high school students living in a rural California community who participate in the Early Academic Outreach Program.;Findings suggest that collaborations and partnerships amongst educational entities best serve the needs of the students in the community. College Knowledge forms, norms, and resources manifest themselves most effectively when students are offered the opportunity to participate in multiple outreach program efforts. The Early Academic Outreach Program has proven itself to be a vital partner in offering such opportunities.