This dissertation explores the integration of work-study programs, mentorship, and support systems at Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School (CRTSHS) and their role in preparing underrepresented students for post-secondary education and professional careers. Utilizing a case study methodology, this research centers on an in-depth analysis of a…

From 2010 to 2020, a total of 177,454 doctorates were awarded to international students in the United States (U.S.). In 2020, there were 18,482 international doctorate recipients in the U.S., and approximately 73% of them revealed their intention to stay in the country after graduation (National Science Foundation, 2021). Many international…

Over the course of several years, universities have noticed a trend that is affecting enrollment at their institution. Students want to make sure that wherever they chose to go to college they will have the best possible outcomes upon graduation. To ensure that students are well prepared, some universities have established professional readiness…

This qualitative phenomenological study thoroughly examines an art collective network within Mississippi's community colleges, specifically focusing on enhancing career preparation for students seeking opportunities in the entertainment industry. Through semi-structured interviews, this study gathered data from a purposive sample of six current…

Despite completing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Students with Disabilities (SWD) are less likely than their nondisabled peers to secure middle-skill employment related to their training. This discrepancy is due to insufficient support and interagency collaboration to help overcome transitional barriers and build relevant work…

Americans often believe that a college degree is the key that unlocks the door to the middle class. However, a college degree no longer ensures stable middle-class employment. To increase their chances of post-graduation employment, many students now major in "practical arts" disciplines like Business and Engineering. Graduates of…

The conventional educational system is experiencing substantial challenges, preparing post K-12 students for future professions. These challenges include a limited talent pool of skilled and technically proficient employees. Tracking educational and trade skill proficiency has been a norm in educational settings and has adapted over time to…

The business cultural assumptions and practices of higher education personnel in leadership positions in the higher education industry are failing to provide graduate employment success to students. Such systemic failure can be detrimental to a $555 billion per year industry. The higher education industry faces adverse press reports, governmental…

The German Dual System is a model educational and employment approach that other nations could emulate. The ability of young apprentices to work and study at the same time to gain both practical and theoretical skills leads to more meaningful education and decreased dropout and youth unemployment rates. The collaboration of the government,…

This study examines post-school outcomes of youth with disabilities that were served by the Illinois vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency while in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) through a mixed methodology research design. In order to understand how outcomes differ among the study population, a large-scale dataset of the employment outcomes of…

The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate some of the contradictory outcomes for community college students. I investigated whether community colleges lower their students' aspirations and make students less likely to be socially involved if they transfer to four-year institutions. Furthermore, I tested whether there were significant…

Over $8 billion is spent yearly, on college education in one Southern U.S. state, yet the employment effectiveness of public and private 4-year undergraduate business degrees (effectiveness defined as obtaining employment or entering into a degree program requiring a 4-year business degree by the end of Year 1 and remaining employed or in a degree…

All theatre programs are not created equal. This qualitative study set out to determine the graduating students' perception of satisfaction and success after attending a four year conservatory theatre program. I conducted two interviews with seven of the twelve graduating seniors. The initial interview was conducted after graduation, and the…

The United States public education system is facing a possible shortage of several hundred thousand teachers over the next decade. To overcome the projected shortfall in teacher supply, schools of education of state university and college systems may need to look to the fastest growing segment of the college student population, the non-traditional…