A Study to Investigate the College Now Pre-College Program at the City University of New York: Does it Increase Retention and Persistence of Disadvantage Students

This study investigates the College Now pre-college program and the impact on retention and persistence on disadvantaged students in the City University of New York (CUNY). CUNY consists of 18 colleges. There are both community colleges and senior colleges. The CUNY institutions are located in the five boroughs in New York City. This is the largest dual enrollment program conducted within a public high school system in the United States. Research will include both voluntary and mandatory pre-college programs. The study investigated the factors that impact disadvantaged students and first generation college students. The literature review included African American, Caucasian, Native American and Hispanic first generation college students and the factors that impact retention and persistence. The programs included in the discussion are dual enrollment, dual credit, Upward Bound, early college high school, intensive dual enrollment and summer bridge programs; they are implemented in public community colleges and both private and public four-year colleges and universities. The study concluded that pre-college programs are needed to improve retention and persistence rates of disadvantaged students. Assumptions can also be made these programs will improve the success rate in postsecondary institutions of disadvantaged students.