An Investigation of the Schooling Experiences of Rural Work-Bound Youth: A Person-Oriented Approach

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The benefits of postsecondary education (PSE) attainment are greater now than ever before given today’s changing global economy. Despite rising enrollments, an alarming number of youth drop out of college without attaining any credential. Also, a small, but substantive group never attempt PSE. Rural youth, compared to nonrural youth, are less likely to enroll in a PSE institution and are more likely to drop out and enter the workforce before completing school. Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model and person-oriented analysis, the purpose of this study was to explore interindividual differences among a diverse sample of 1,655 rural work-bound youth. The study was guided by three aims: 1) explore whether meaningful subgroups of work-bound youth could be identified using cluster analysis on students’ self-reported educational and occupational aspirations, work orientations, family hardship, and academic achievement; 2) evaluate how identified groups differed on perceived future educational and occupational barriers and opportunities; and 3) explore group differences on students’ subjective evaluations of their schooling experiences. Analysis revealed six distinct groups. Three groups (ambitious, persistent, and well rounded) generally evidenced high aspirations and positive schooling experiences. Three groups (average, multiple disadvantage, and work focused) generally evidenced lower aspirations and more negative schooling experiences. Persistent, multiple-disadvantage, and work-focused youth reported higher educational barriers compared to other groups, but work-focused youth reported the lowest occupational barriers compared to all other groups. Findings may inform researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking more nuanced approaches to meet the transition needs of youth who do not continue or complete postsecondary education.