Elements of a College Support Program That Matter: A Case Study

Purpose: This study focuses on a campus support program that serves former child welfare and homeless youth. This study aims to identify the program elements that help students transition into and succeed in college. Method: This study uses a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data included administrative and survey data of 50 students. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the effects of early engagement on students' grade point averages (GPAs). Qualitative data were collected from interviews with 17 students. Thematic content analysis was used to identify themes from the qualitative data. Results: Quantitative data showed positive effects of early engagement on students' GPAs. Qualitative data showed that students perceived that the campus support program helped them transition into and success in college. Conclusions: Future programs should emphasize providing academic and financial services and engaging students as soon as or even before they enroll into college.