| Description |
The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of the Pathways afterschool program in preparing refugee students for life after high school. Refugees face many unique challenges to accessing higher education, including language barriers, lack of familial support, and difficulty navigating an unfamiliar system. They have an immense desire to go to college to support and improve themselves as well as make their families proud and provide themselves with financial support. However, a determination to go to college is not enough when they lack the resources, advisors, and knowledge necessary to navigate a complicated bureaucratic system. Through field observations, student interaction, and interviews with four youth I was able to understand what Pathways has been able to accomplish in the lives of the students at Timberview High School as well as the way it can better accomplish its mission to prepare students for life after graduation. I determined that increased training and organization are necessary for this program to truly function. The students are currently only being provided homework help, thus maintaining the status quo and not propelling them to future success they desire. |
