College Access for Rural Youth: Using your University Connections
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Date
2018-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
OSU Extension collaborates to deliver college experiences to rural youth in Vinton County. Extension's community engagement and outreach can be strengthened by developing relationships and using your college connections for youth education. Learn about resources to provide college-access programming to youth.
Description
OSU Extension collaborates with the Office of Student Affairs' Buck-I-Serv program and the Office of Student Life's Buckeye Civic Engagement Connection program to deliver college experiences to rural youth in Vinton County. Participants will learn how to design a college student-led service learning project; discover how to leverage resources from main campus; and explore options for providing youth development through college access programming efforts. Ohio's Appalachian region is a diverse and unique region that has historically faced severe economic challenges. Many students from Appalachia are first-generation college students, and many are from small, rural communities. Students who are first-generation college students often face additional challenges adjusting to college life, because their family lacks "what to expect at college" experiences. Buckeyes for Appalachia is a group of students who provide opportunities to have fun while giving back to Appalachian communities through several means, including inspiring Appalachian middle and high school students to take the steps necessary to reach higher education. There is a positive correlation between higher levels of education and higher earnings for all racial and ethnic groups, regardless of gender. During one's lifetime, it is estimated that a college degree is worth $1.3 million more than a high school diploma. This is the sixth year Vinton County has used university partnerships to provide college experiences for 1,400 youth annually. Afterward, 100 percent of the teachers and administrators indicated that students were excited following the program and asked numerous questions about college and postsecondary options in the weeks following the visit. A pre- and post-program assessment showed that 86 percent of youth indicated an increase in knowledge about postsecondary options, and 91 percent know someone who attended college and can answer their questions about college. Extension's task of community engagement and outreach can be strengthened by developing relationships and using your college connections for youth education.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Travis West, Educator, 4-H Youth Development, The Ohio State University Extension, west.222@osu.edu (Corresponding Author).
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Travis West, Educator, 4-H Youth Development, The Ohio State University Extension, west.222@osu.edu (Corresponding Author).
Keywords
college access, engagement, rural, service
Citation
Engaged Scholars, v. 6 (2018).