Social Network = Social Capital!

As a Hispanic first-generation student, applying to college was unfamiliar and intimidating. I had to rely solely on my guidance counselor and mentor for college information and ultimately enrolled in a college access program for assistance. While I was fortunate enough to have support from high school through college, I do recognize that many students do not have the same experience which can have an immense impact on their post secondary choices and future.

Despite an increase in enrollment overall, minority and low income students are still underrepresented. Specifically, first-generation African American and Hispanic students. This gap is often due to a lack of awareness and preparation among these students. Cholewa et al. (2015) examined this topic through a social capital lens. Within the higher education context, social capital is defined as “a student’s access to knowledge and resources about postsecondary education relayed through relationships that comprise a student’s social network” (Cholewa, 2015, p. 145). Students’ networks vary but often include trusted individuals like family, friends, counselors, community members, etc. So how can we help students utilize their networks throughout the college process and reach their full potential? Here are some strategies we can use as educators, especially counselors, to support these students:

• Identify which students are first-generation and tailor to their needs, making it a point to check in throughout the process and ask how you can be most supportive

• Increase individual meetings with students

• Create a list of trusted individuals with the student to help visualize their network

• Advocate for underrepresented students

• Coordinate/implement college fairs, workshops, and informationals

• Collaborate with other schools, the community, and education department

• Advocate to parents who may believe post secondary choices are not options or possible due to family circumstances or unfamiliarity with the process

• Promote access to college information & meet students where they are:

• Connect students to resources outside of school—community organizations, college access programs, test prep courses

• Post college information—posters, monthly bulletins,post important deadlines or helpful tips on social networks

• Start early:

• introduce yourself to the freshman and sophomores to start building the relationship

• introduce the college process as early as freshmen year

• Make yourself accessible:

• Offer alternative meeting times

• Attend events in the community

• Availability via text or social media applications

• Involve parents and other supportive adults

• Hold parent meetings/workshops to go over college process (Common Applications) and financial planning/literacy (FAFSA/CSS Profile, financing and loan options, etc.)

• Get to know the families and their unique needs

• Helps recognize what post secondary choices are options and feasible

Taiomi Cruz is currently pursuing an EdM in Applied Human Development with a focus on positive youth development at Boston University’s School of Education. Having graduated with a BA in Psychology and Sociology, she has worked closely with youth in the past specifically in social service settings. Now in enrollment services, Taiomi hopes to use her degree to assist both prospective and continuing minority students navigate the educational system.

References:

Cholewa, B., Burkhardt, C. K., & Hull, M. F. (2016). Are school counselors impacting underrepresented students' thinking about postsecondary education? A nationally representative study. Professional School Counseling, 19(1), 144-154. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/10.5330/1096-2409-19.1.144