Date of Award
8-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Guillermo Montes
Second Supervisor
Dr. Gloria Morgan
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to gain understanding, from the perceptions of former out-of-school youth (OSY), as to what motivated reconnection into education or training programs. In addition, the study investigated what recruitment and program approaches they felt were important engagement strategies. A phenomenological design was chosen to capture the lived experience of OSY, aged 20 to 24 years old, who have reconnected at adult literacy and training centers. Nine OSY participated in open-ended interviews. As a result of the rich stories and open discussion, the researcher was able to identify the following four themes that capture the overall essence of the experience of the group: (a) OSY have goals for the future, (b) OSY need continuous support, (c) reconnection was a positive experience, and (d) OSY exhibit self-motivation and drive. Findings suggest a need for discretionary funding to meet the needs of OSY, redesigning K-12 education to provide individualized career pathways that begin in earlier grades, and providing a network of support agencies designed to seamlessly serve OSY.
Recommended Citation
Kwandrans, Karen, "One Step Toward Success: Motivation for Reengagement for Out-of-School Youth" (2020). Education Doctoral. Paper 453.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/453
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.