Date of Award

8-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Byron K. Hargrove, PhD

Second Supervisor

Danielle Forbes, PhD

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how recent alumni of a New York City public high school described and interpreted their lived experiences with a school–community-based organization (CBO) partnerships through “Program X,” a college and career readiness program. Using semi-structured interviews, the study examined how eight public high school graduates perceived these experiences as influencing their educational decision-making and postsecondary aspirations. Findings revealed that Program X positively influenced the educational decision- making, college readiness, and career aspirations through individualized academic planning, SAT prep, financial aid workshops, college and career events, and mentoring. The participants reported increased motivation, self-efficacy, self-sufficiency, and confidence in pursuing postsecondary opportunities. Mentoring and supportive adult relationships were noted as critical factors contributing to the participants’ overall perceptions of program effectiveness and value. The findings affirm the need to explore more community school models with integrated support using more diverse and larger samples of high students and alumni.

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