Investigating Postsecondary Education Access and Choice for Rural Black Students Using a Participatory Mixed Methods Approach
The co-investigators of this study seek to examine the knowledge, skills, abilities, and social networks of rural Black students that support postsecondary education access and choice, while also examining how systemic barriers may hinder postsecondary education access for rural Black students.
- Sponsor
The Spencer Foundation
$49,906 - Principal investigator
Darris Means
Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh - Co-principal investigators
Collette Chapman-Hilliard - Active since
February 2021
Abstract
Research studies on rural Black students have identified and characterized postsecondary education access and choice challenges experienced by this population of students, but less attention has been paid to understanding the critical factors and mechanisms used by rural Black students to navigate their pathways to postsecondary education despite these challenges.
The co-investigators of this study seek to examine the knowledge, skills, abilities, and social networks of rural Black students that support postsecondary education access and choice, while also examining how systemic barriers may hinder postsecondary education access for rural Black students.
Additionally, the researchers will analyze qualitative data previously collected by one of the lead researchers; design, test, and launch a survey based on qualitative data and literature; analyze quantitative data; and use qualitative and quantitative data to develop research-based products in partnership with an advisory board of rural Black high school students that will be used to problematize and address postsecondary education inequities experienced by rural Black students.