This study utilized a basic interpretive design to explore the experiences of parents/guardians who enrolled their children in the Build Our Kids for Success Program (BOKS) and autoethnography to explore the experiences of the researcher while implementing the BOKS program. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 individuals representing 13…

U.S. school achievement has been the subject of much discussion. In the case of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), the national underperformance across the country, as well as the underrepresentation of minorities are key issues (Anderson et al., 2023; Handelsman & Smith, 2016; National Research Council, 2015; The…

Even though there has been a narrowing of the gender gap in STEM, there is still a pronounced gap in the physical sciences, engineering, and computer science. Females who persist in these fields have a strong STEM identity, including developing specific STEM interests. Females can develop STEM identity through long-term, active involvement in…

This study aimed to identify baseline data on University of Guyana students' demographics, success indicators, and the usefulness of the existing orientation program from students' perspectives. This action research study employed multiple data collection methods, including an online questionnaire with six sections totaling 23 questions,…

The middle school years are marked by a critical interplay of biological, cognitive, and social development, which collectively shape adolescents' experiences and developmental trajectories. Recognizing the complexity of these processes is crucial for creating nurturing environments that support adolescents' academic, social, and emotional…

At the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, commuter students make up the majority of the currently enrolled student population. The majority population has expressed their dissatisfaction about co-curricular and social activities and a diminished sense of belonging and inclusion. The focus of this dissertation is on the Greensburg Experiences…

This study analyzed the impact of athletics on the academic achievement of middle school students in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. This study determined whether middle school athletics impact athletes' achievement more than middle school nonathletes. The study further analyzed achievement based on race and gender, and English and Math…

This qualitative descriptive study explored the college preparatory experiences of African American male students who participated in a Northwest Louisiana TRiO Upward Bound program before college enrollment. Specifically, the students in this study perceived that TRiO Upward Bound programming influenced their college readiness and enrollment. The…

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact a Summer Bridge Program had on academically at-risk students who entered their first year of college. Additionally, this study looked at participants' and non-participants' involvement in extracurricular activities, students' sense of belonging to the college, and retention of first-year…

Though a primary purpose of K-12 education in the United States is to prepare students to meet the economic demands of the country, there is currently a major shortage of workers to fill the open positions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This shortage is only expected to grow in the coming decade unless a…

This study sought to explore the experience of participating in a bridge program, specifically the construct of sense of belonging. The study examined the extent to which participating in a bridge program can impact students' sense of belonging as well as, if there is an impact, what aspects of the bridge program--academic, social, and…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of African American male Upward Bound participants to determine their identity status and to document their perceptions of Upward Bound's influence on their academic outcomes. This study examined the experiences of eight African American male Upward Bound participants at…

Research reveals that grade retention as a sole intervention for low achieving students is not sufficient to improve student achievement (Jimerson, 200l). This study used a qualitative design (Marshall & Rossman, 2011) to examine the phenomenon of grade retention and intervention approaches for low achieving students in Connecticut school…

This study analyzed how three award-winning divisions of Student Affairs are using assessment to show evidence of student learning and development at their institutions. There is a movement in U.S. higher education toward increased accountability through outcomes assessment. Institutions are called upon to demonstrate effectiveness in their…

This study examined the effective strategies, resources, and programs urban superintendents utilize to improve the academic achievement for African-American males. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to answer the following research questions regarding urban superintendents and the academic achievement for African-American males: What…