Title

Don’t Forget the Hip-Hop!: Recruiting Economically Disadvantaged Minority Students in Higher Education: An Assessment of Postsecondary Programs at Texas State University

Document Type

Research Report

Comments


An Applied Research Project (Political Science 5397) Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, May 2008.
Faculty Approval:
Dr. Hassan Tajalli
Dr. Bill DeSoto
Ms. Elena Lay-Esparza

Abstract


The purpose of this research is four-fold. First, it seeks to develop an ideal program for postsecondary recruitment of economically disadvantaged minority students. Second, it will empirically test elements of the model that have no supporting scholarly literature or research. In addition, it uses the ideal model to assess the effectiveness of the current Texas State program in recruiting economically disadvantaged minority students. Lastly, this research will make recommendations on how Texas State can improve its recruitment of these students to Texas State University. The components of an ideal model for postsecondary recruitment identified in the literature led to the development of a conceptual framework. The framework allowed the researcher to develop an assessment tool that will measure current postsecondary recruitment at Texas State University. A case study approach was utilized, incorporating interview surveys from a sample of high school students currently enrolled in a postsecondary recruitment program. This was used in concurrence with document analysis and survey research. Overall, postsecondary recruitment programs at Texas State University are consistent with components identified in the ideal model. The programs could be improved by allowing for an increase in staff, which in turn would allow for more individualized attention to students.