Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Educational Empowerment Group & Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Second Presenter's Institution

NA

Third Presenter's Institution

NA

Fourth Presenter's Institution

NA

Fifth Presenter's Institution

NA

Location

Ballroom D

Strand #1

Academic Achievement & School Leadership

Strand #2

Social & Emotional Skills

Relevance

(Strand #1: Head) Academic Achievement & Leadership

This proposed session will explore strategies to close the achievement gap in post secondary education between traditional college students and first generation college students of low socioeconomic status. This session will address the “Head” Academic Achievement and Leadership. Post-secondary education can be an economic equalizer. However many students of low socioeconomic status face a variety of economic and social barriers that can negatively impact their educational experiences; which can discourage students and cause them to dropout. Students who are equipped with the proper tools, strategies and support systems are better prepared to meet these challenges and have higher retention, progression and graduation rates and are more likely to obtain gainful employment upon graduation and become leaders and models for generations to come.

(Strand #2: Heart) Social & Emotional Skills

This proposal relates to the “5H” conference strands, with a direct focus on Social and Emotions Skills. The college experience is a journey that requires students to become more than they are. For many students of low-socioeconomic status who endeavor to be first generation college students, they are faced with challenges associated with the process that can be exacerbating. This can create circumstances where a student’s self- identity can be challenged and their motivation and interest in college may diminish. Many students who are first generation college students are in need of practicable strategies that prepare and empower them to address these challenges by building academic resilience, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, positive self-identity and development; to help them view college as a viable option.

Brief Program Description

The Intentional Student: Strategies to Help Students of Low Socioeconomic Status Succeed at Post-Secondary Institutions, is structured in three phases: The Prerequisites, The Process and The Exodus. Attendees will take a journey in the same manner students navigate the college experience. (The Prerequisites)-areas that are completed and mastered before college, (The Process)-tasks and areas that are mastered while in college and (The Exodus)-areas mastered upon conclusion of college to obtain gainful employment. The target audience is educators, school counselors, mentors, therapist, and school social workers.

Summary

Globalization and the rapid changes of technology have created a need for high-level work-related skills, which at a minimum require some form of post-secondary education (Smith & Zhang, 2009). Many low-income, first generation college students have the ability to climb the socioeconomic ladder, but are hindered by the inability to successfully complete a postsecondary education. It is not uncommon for students of low socioeconomic status who struggle financially to have difficulty-creating community on campus and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Successfully navigating the college experience requires strategic planning and intentionality. The Intentional Student workshop is structured in three phases: The Prerequisites, The Process and The Exodus to mimic the college experience and empower attendees / educators with practicable strategies and models that they can employ immediately in their respective communities to support the youths they serve. Strategies covered include aligning student support systems with learning objectives, cooperative learning, how to navigate the process of choosing a post secondary institution, finding the right fit, academic professionalism, strategies for building community on and off campus, building rapport with instructors , and being strategic with your college work history and major as it relates to employment. This workshop is beneficial for educators, parents, school counselors, school social workers, and adult education program coordinators.

Evidence

According to the Pell Institute, Moving Beyond Access study, authored by Jennifer Engle, Ph.D. and Vincent Tinto, Ph.D. (2008), the United States, while having one of the “highest college participation rates in the world”, has concerning higher education retention and graduation rates for first generation college students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES), low-income, first-generation college students were nearly four times more likely to leave higher education after the first year than students who are not low-income, first generation students. Of those students that persist after the first year, after six years only 11 percent of low-income, first-generation students had earned bachelor’s degrees compared to 55 percent of their more advantaged peers. Even more troubling is the fact that in private, not-for-profit four-year institutions, there was an even larger gap between low-income, first-generation students and their peers, 43 to 80 percent respectively. Students who participate in structured first year programs, participate in cooperative learning comminutes, and build community on campus graduate at higher rates. Unfortunately, many low-income, first generation students are unaware of how to access the vital resources needed to successfully navigate the college experience. This workshop prepares attendees to identify and access resources that will support and assist the youths they serve as it relates to post-secondary education success; therefore making college a viable option for students of low-socioeconomic status.

Biographical Sketch

Patrick Phillips, MSW, Educational Consultant and Chief Executive Director of Educational Empowerment Group, LLC Atlanta, GA

Patrick Phillips, “The Change Agent,” is a doctoral student; he holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, a college instructor, urban education specialist, inspirational speaker, a certified educator and school social worker. He is a recipient of the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award. Mr. Phillips is the author of 4 publications: “The Intentional Student: 17 Strategies To Survive & Thrive In College From Day 1”, “Decisions: A Young Man’s Guide To Avoiding The Traps”, “Change 101: Average Is Crowded” and the “Decisions: Success Is Optional Curriculum”. Mr. Phillips is a graduate of Georgia State University (GSU). Patrick was raised in a single-parent household in South Central Los Angeles, and overcame many of the challenges that youths, young adults and adults face today. He has an extensive background in working with youths, families, adults, community organizations, and college students. He uses his experiences to educate, empower, and help others achieve self-actualization.

Mr. Phillips is a board member with Fulton County My Brother’s Keeper (MBKFC) and 500 Men Standing In The GAP taskforce. Mr. Phillips has spoken to thousands of youths, parents, and community stakeholders. Additionally, Patrick’s engaging motivational/educational videos and audiotapes, which have nearly 200,000 views and listens on YouTube and various social media platforms have been played in classrooms and organizations throughout the United States. He continues to facilitate change one engagement at a time.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Patrick Phillips, MSW

mrphillipsthechangeagent@gmail.com

www.mrphillipsthechangeagent.com

Keyword Descriptors

First generation college students, At-risk students, Post secondary education, Males of color, College retention, College graduation

Presentation Year

2017

Start Date

3-7-2017 10:15 AM

End Date

3-7-2017 11:30 AM

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Mar 7th, 10:15 AM Mar 7th, 11:30 AM

The Intentional Student: Strategies to Help Students of Low-Socioeconomic Status Succeed at Post-Secondary Institutions

Ballroom D

The Intentional Student: Strategies to Help Students of Low Socioeconomic Status Succeed at Post-Secondary Institutions, is structured in three phases: The Prerequisites, The Process and The Exodus. Attendees will take a journey in the same manner students navigate the college experience. (The Prerequisites)-areas that are completed and mastered before college, (The Process)-tasks and areas that are mastered while in college and (The Exodus)-areas mastered upon conclusion of college to obtain gainful employment. The target audience is educators, school counselors, mentors, therapist, and school social workers.