Date

5-2025

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

Abstract

The high school dropout rates in Monterey County continue to challenge individuals, particularly Learning For Life Charter School students. Contributing factors to the high school dropout rates include academic underperformance, unmet basic needs, an agricultural economy, and migrant labor. This translates to significant consequences such as substance abuse, increased poverty, and low-paying jobs. The project consisted of a university field trip to UC Santa Cruz with 9 juniors and seniors. The field trip included a tour guide explaining various pathways and college perspectives. With many students experiencing their first on-site college field trip, this project was to create college awareness and improve academic performance through a visit to a postsecondary institution. Pre and post-surveys were conducted to measure students' learning shifts. The survey results displayed that after the college tour, participants had a better understanding of college and created a higher interest in attending a college than in the presurvey. By providing college awareness activities, it can foster aspirations in attending college, which can ultimately decrease college dropout rates.

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