PREPARING DIVERSE ADOLESCENTS FOR TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD Alba Cobos Assistant Director of Admissions for Latino Students Georgia Southern University

Facts  Latino and African American youth have more difficulty completing school.  Latino youth demonstrate very low levels of educational persistence, with only 22% ever enrolling in college.

 African American and Latino youth have more difficulty finding employment than white youth with similar levels of education.  African Americans and Latino who do not pursue college but still hold a job, earn lower wages than white youth with similar levels of education.

 Minority youth are more likely to be in poor physical health and to engage in high-risk behaviors compared with white youth.  Latino and African American teenagers are more likely than other youth to engage in sexual intercourse and bear children.  Foreign-born adolescents and non-Hispanic African American adolescent from American-born families tend to be the least frequent users of illicit drugs.

The solution is in our hands….  High Schools and colleges  Observers have highlighted three basic qualities of secondary schools that promote academic achievement, high school graduation, and preparation for college attendance Qualified teachers Positive school climate Availability of college preparation and advanced college placement courses.

Qualified Teachers  Latino and African American students are less likely to participate in advanced coursework that is necessary for college admission and attendance.  Assume our responsibility as educators  Take pride in our profession  Find resources to improve knowledge Coursera Edx Online free courses  Multicultural education Teachers present diverse topics related to diversity Discuss topics related to micro-aggression

College Preparation Programs  Latino students are less likely to take college entrance exams and submit applications to four-year colleges.  Establish early college education programs  Prepare students for scholastic exams Khan Academy  Implement student organizations (peer mentoring programs)  Encourage students to enroll in advance courses  Engage ESL students in the learning process Peer-to-peer education and collaboration

Positive Environment  Allow alumni and parents to participate in the learning process  Transform your institution as an active educational center  Promote school-related and occupational-related activities  Workshop for parents (parent-to-parent)  Father-to-father program (mentors)  Promote multicultural education  Help students to embrace their heritage  Nurture their background  Celebrate racial, ethnic, religious, gender diversity

“Activities and programs that take place outside of regular school hours have become increasingly important settings for the development of skills, competencies, and attitudes that are conductive to a successful transition to adulthood”

Outcomes  Academic achievement  Educational persistence  Reduce youth’s involvement in risky behaviors  Pregnancy  Substance abuse  Provide opportunities to build self-confidence  Enhance variety of skills

Thank you! Alba Cobos Assistant Director of Admissions for Latino/ Hispanic Students