Rurality and Resources: Influence of High School and Individual Characteristics on Postsecondary Participation

Authors

  • Frimpomaa Ampaw Morgan State University
  • Sarah Williams Grand Valley State University
  • Skylar Duke Central Michigan University
  • Anne M. Hornak Central Michigan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.2024.v14n1p99-126

Keywords:

multilevel linear modeling, rural students, college-going

Abstract

This study explores a cohort of rural high school student's participation in postsecondary education within three years of graduation. We use the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) 's High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS2009) and logistic regression to answer our research questions. We found that many rural students plan to attend college and even apply to college; however, this did not mean that students would attend college. Also, counselors spending 20-50 percent of their time on college support positively affected students' college enrollment.

Author Biographies

Frimpomaa Ampaw, Morgan State University

Frimpomaa (Frim) Ampaw, EdD, is a Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy at Morgan State University. Her research focuses on understanding the experiences of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented minorities in transitioning to college, during college, and in the labor market. Dr. Ampaw is a quantitative methodologist who has conducted extensive research on women and minorities in STEM education to understand their selection and persistence within the major.

Sarah Williams, Grand Valley State University

Sarah Rutt Williams, EdD, is an Assistant Professor in the English department at Grand Valley State University. Her research interests center on social justice, equity, and inclusion in education, as well as culturally responsive perspectives and practices in literacy and education research. Dr. Williams uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Skylar Duke, Central Michigan University

Skylar Duke, BS, is a first-year doctoral student in the UW Educational Policy Studies Department. Using quantitative methods, Sky’s research explores the educational marginalization experienced by rural and first-generation students, as well as policy interventions that improve these students’ access to and success within postsecondary contexts. She is not only interested in the process through which research-based policies are adopted and implemented, but also in how they are experienced by students from differing backgrounds. Her work is deeply informed by her identities as a queer, disabled, low-income, and first-generation college student.

Anne M. Hornak, Central Michigan University

Anne M. Hornak (she, her), PhD, is a Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership, and Higher Education at Central Michigan University. Her research focuses on understanding rural students and the development of post-secondary educational choices. She specifically focuses on the intersection of geography and college-going habits. She is also curious about financially strapped college students and how they navigate work and school.

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Published

2024-06-27

How to Cite

Ampaw, F., Williams, S., Duke, S., & M. Hornak, A. (2024). Rurality and Resources: Influence of High School and Individual Characteristics on Postsecondary Participation. Theory & Practice in Rural Education, 14(1), 99–126. https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.2024.v14n1p99-126

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2024): Vol. 14 No. 1 (2024): Theory & Practice in Rural Education

Section

Research Forum

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Copyright (c) 2024 Frimpomaa Ampaw, Sarah Williams, Skylar Duke, Anne Hornak

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