Date

Summer 8-10-2025

ESRP 9000 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Empowered Through Relationships: A Strategic Initiative to Increase Tutoring Engagement Among First-Generation High School Students in South Texas. Jessica Quintero, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: extrinsic motivation, first-generation student, low-income student, socioeconomic status, TRIO, Upward Bound

This strategic research project was designed to provide an initiative to increase student participation in our Upward Bound tutoring component. Upward Bound is a Federal TRIO program that serves low-income high school students. Low-income, first-generation students encounter numerous academic barriers and challenges that impact their retention and graduation at pre-collegiate and collegiate levels, a national concern that warrants attention to close the academic achievement gaps among low-income students and more affluent socio-economic groups. After an in-depth program’s SWOT analysis, the internal and external factors revealed a problem of low tutoring attendance and engagement that, if left unaddressed, can negatively impact academic performance, graduation rates, and future college opportunities for our participants. Therefore, this research project addresses our Upward Bound program in Corpus Christi and the need to increase tutoring student engagement for short-term and long-term positive impact on their academic achievement.

To address this issue, four initial possible solutions were explored, and through further analysis, I selected to reinforce our current tutoring component by a blended approach that incorporates peer tutoring mentorship, and online tutoring services to meet our students' individual needs. Two strategies were evaluated and compared using the QSPM matrix tool, with Connectedness and Positive Relationships having the highest total attractiveness score of 6.74 and selected as the feasible strategy to implement. An action plan was developed with amendments to include incorporating tutor ambassadors, assigning a program name, and outlining the action steps to implement the strategy. In conclusion, this tailored tutoring initiative can help meet student needs, reduce cognitive load, enhance academic performance, increase participation, retention, and graduation for our low-income students. Recommendations include active communication and further research on technological approaches.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Organizational Leadership

Language

English

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