Working Paper: NBER ID: w11260
Authors: Frank F. Furstenberg; David Neumark
Abstract: We study a set of programs implemented in Philadelphia high schools that focus on boosting post-secondary enrollment. These programs are less career oriented than traditional school-to-work programs, but are consistent with the broadening of the goals of school-to-work to emphasize post-secondary education. The Philadelphia Longitudinal Educational Study (PELS) data set that we examine contains an unusually large amount of information on individuals prior to placement in STC programs. We use the detailed information in the PELS to study the process of selection into these programs and to examine their impact on a set of mainly schooling-related outcomes during and after high school, although we also consider their impact on non-academic outcomes. The data point to positive effects of these programs on high school graduation and on both academic and non-academic awards in high school, and similar negative effects on dropping out of high school. The results also suggest positive effects on aspirations for higher education and on college attendance. In addition, there is some evidence that these programs are more effective in increasing college attendance and aspirations among at-risk youths.
Keywords: school-to-career; postsecondary education; educational outcomes; at-risk youth
JEL Codes: I28; J24
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| STC participation (L96) | probability of dropping out of high school (I21) |
| STC participation (L96) | high school graduation rates (I21) |
| STC participation (L96) | educational aspirations (I23) |
| STC participation (L96) | college attendance (I23) |
| STC participation (L96) | effects on college attendance for at-risk youths (I24) |