The Effect of a College Preparation Program on the Self-efficacy of First-generation, Latino/a, High School Student

Due to our technologic and global based economy, the future workforce demands skilled workers with more than a high school diploma. A college degree will open more opportunities of employment and provide a higher quality of life for its recipients. Due to the current system of education, social constructs, and macro-economic policies, gaining access into higher education is still a challenge for marginalized student populations. College preparation programs are a method utilized to provide information and access for students who are otherwise at a disadvantage when trying to navigate the college pathway. First-generation, Latino/a students face a myriad of challenges such as a lack of academic preparation, lower high school graduation rates, lower college enrollment, and lower degree completion as compared to their White peers. This study investigated the effect of a college preparation program in Phoenix, AZ on the targeted student population via Bandura's (1977) theory of self-efficacy. A quantitative study revealed the program increased the academic and college-going self-efficacy of student participants.