An assessment of the effectiveness of University of Wisconsin-Stout's June 25-30, 2000 pre-college program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe selected student outcomes of first time participants in the June 25-30 session of the Summer 2000 Pre-College Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout as measured by pre- and post-experience survey results and responses from the program exit-interviews. This study focuses on the following objectives: *To determine participants' plans for attending college before their pre-college experience and their plans for attending college after the experience. * Determine whether the pre-college students felt they learned more about where their career interest may lie through the pre-college program. * Determine if the pre-college students felt that the program offered valuable academic skills. * Determine if the pre-college students felt as if they were familiarized with the college-living environment through the pre-college program. The Stout Pre-College Program is a unique program that is an academic enrichment and career exploration experience for students of color in grades 7-10. The University of Wisconsin Stout Pre-College Program defines the students of color that they serve as African American, American Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American. The objectives of the 1998 program were as follows (Queen, 1998): * Students will develop their academic skills: reading, writing, math and study skills. * They will identify their strengths and weaknesses and personal interests. * Students will develop their interpersonal relationship skills and leadership skills. * Students will compile information on college selection, admission, and financial aid. * Students will relate their personal profiles to possible careers and explore one area in depth. In order to meet the objectives of the program certain experiences are provided. Through this program students attend enrichment classes in Math, Reading/Writing, and Study Skills that are taught by Student Services staff members who are certified teachers. Students also attend career exploration workshops and two types of workshops/activities that were engineered to facilitate the students' personal growth and interest in attending college, those two types being Student Life Workshops and Development Workshops. Based on the review of literature the researcher expected the Stout Pre-College Program to demonstrate success in the areas of each objective, however, the degree of success was not known. Through an analysis of the data, the researcher did find the expected elements of success and was able to describe these elements for each objective identified. Through the study, the researcher determined areas that were in need of some attention. Some unique areas of concern were racial/ethnically and gender specific in nature. The researcher offered many recommendations about the problem areas. The statistics provided a wealth of information to describe the objectives of this research paper. There is much knowledge to be gained about the Stout Pre-College Program and other programs. This is the first formal study of Stout's program. Important knowledge can be gained through the implementation of future descriptive and correlational studies. This information can be used to better serve the needs of all future participants as well as other pre-college programs.