Middle School Blugold Beginnings Program : an Assessment of Growth and Outcomes of Students Enrolled in the Program

Abstract

The Blugold Beginnings: College and Career Readiness Program works with local schools to provide a comprehensive college connection for 5th graders through high school seniors. When a student enters the middle school program, they are assigned a mentor who provides them with tutoring and mentoring services during resource time in the schools. Since its inception, Blugold Beginnings Middle School Program has been preparing 6th through 8th graders for post-secondary education. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether students in the program significantly increase their knowledge about post-secondary education and self-management skills over the course of being in the Blugold Beginnings: College and Career Readiness Program. Researchers also investigated whether this increased awareness coincides with increased feelings of comfort and confidence regarding higher education.