Exploring potential predictors of college attendance for African American women who parented as teens

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential predictors of college attendance for African American women who parented as teens and are now between the ages of 20-35. Using a quantitative research methodology, this study examined variables that predict college attendance for this targeted population by exploring demographics, motivation, and perceived social support. Three instruments were comprised to design the survey instrument: the Academic Motivation Survey, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Cook-Kyle's Demographic Questionnaire to create the Predictors of College Attendance Instrument. Results show that many teenage mothers did not seek available support from school counselors; whereas, those that did seek support were more likely to go to college. The results further show that those teen mothers who continue their education reported higher income. In conclusion, the study results suggest that teens need more academic information from their school counselor about college admission. In addition, there needs to be a special outreach to this population to increase there awareness and knowledge about higher education options.</