Seattle University

Youth Initiative
M I D D L E S C H O O L C O L L E G E P R E PA RAT I O N P R O G RA M S A N D J E S U I T E D U C AT I O N
P R E S E N T E D B Y:
C A L L I E M O O T H A RT , J E F F E R E Y E N G , & M I T H C E L L C ATA L A N O

Summary of the Literature

Three key areas of development include:
The overall success of college preparatory programs as applied to
middle school age students
o College preparatory programs best serve students from low socioeconomic status

Impact of mentors and the positive development they support in

these programs is important for successful implementation
o The inspiration of positive youth development is tangibly identified in
opportunities to develop mentor relationships.

Measuring the engagement of families and parents in college

preparation, particularly low income, immigrant, and families of
color
o Students positive development towards college aspirations are additionally
influenced by the actions, attitudes, and beliefs owned by parents in preparing their
children for college

Figure 1. Seattle University Youth Initiative Mentor

(2015)

Possible Limitations
Socioeconomic background
Single demographic variable addressed in the successes of the programs

Diversity in race and ethnicity

Inability to accurately identify how different ethnic or racial populations might be best served in
developing these programs.
How to train mentors in addressing concerns of multicultural competency in the student populations they
serve.
Failure to identify how family structures varying by race or ethnicity could differently effect students
development in these programs.

Limited Jesuit Institution Research

Theoretical importance of limitations

Promising Practices

Fairfield Universitys Cristo Rey Summer Camp Program

Learn college admissions process
Field trips
Goal

Figure 2. Cristo Rey summer Camp Participants

(July, 2014)

Promising Practices

H.E.S.S Mentoring Program at Wheeling Jesuit University

Middle/high school students
Weekly campus visits
Outcomes

Figure 3. H.E.S.S Mentoring Program Participants

Promising Practices

Texas State University: Writing Marathon

Experienced college life
Reflecting throughout their campus visit
Outcomes

Figure 4. Texas State University Writing Marathon

Participants (2015)

Promising Practices

Themes:
Exposing students to college life
Engaging activities
Incorporating Jesuit values of
self-reflection and discernment

Recommendations
Summer Leadership Camp
Elements
Academic Pursuits
Social Interaction
Leadership Training
College Preparation

Seattle University Hallmarks

Implementation

Figure 5. Seattle University Youth Initiative Video

(2015)

Recommendations
Onsite Mentoring Program
Format
Training
Partnerships
Center for Community Engagement
Community Organizations
Parents and Families

Implementation

Figure 6. Model of Engagement from CCE Annual Report

(2015)

Recommendations
Writing Marathon
Format
Academic Growth
Jesuit Components
Implementation

Figure 7. Seattle University Branding

(2015)

Bibliography
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