Former Youth in Care and College Enrollment: Experiences of a Resilient Population
[Thesis]
Giron, Jaqueline A.
Barrera, Irán
California State University, Fresno
2019
96 p.
M.S.W.
California State University, Fresno
2019
This research seeks to explore the role supportive adults played in community college enrollment from the perspective of former youth in care who are currently enrolled at a community college. This study employs qualitative methods from a phenomenological approach. A purposeful sampling method was utilized to gather participants who met the criterion. All participants were former youth in care, 18 years and older, and currently enrolled at a community college. Guided by ecological systems theory and resiliency theory, the researcher gathered data about supports that helped youth in care enroll at a community college campus. A total of four students participated in the study. All four interviews were transcribed, analyzed, and coded for themes. This research provides a deeper understanding of the role adult supporters played in the life of youth in care and how this connection contributes to resiliency.