Surviving the dark times: the perceptions of the effectiveness of mentors on college attendance

Growing up in dangerous communities present youth with many obstacles such as failing schools, poverty, and crime. However, what do we know about the youth who “beat the odds” and managed to successfully adapt to these challenges? This question is important to answer because understanding the factors that have aided in the college attendance of residents from especially challenged neighborhoods could be key to breaking the cycle of poverty, violence and academic failure in high crime areas. Using interviews of college respondents (n=20 male; n=20 female) who grew up in one of “America’s Most Dangerous Cities” this research focused on the effects of informal and formal mentors in encouraging educational attainment among these at-risk youth. Gender and race/ethnicity differences are explored, policy and research recommendations are offered.M.A.Includes bibliographical referencesby Shelby Lee Tucke