Abstract
The purpose of this thesis was to analyze the existing data collected through the High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS) of 2009, a nationwide study, with a STEM focus, which followed high school freshmen throughout their educational journey and into their postsecondary lives, in hopes of understanding their trajectories and outcomes. The two theories that guided this thesis were critical race theory (CRT) and Cecilia Ridgeway’s cultural lag theory. Using the HSLS data available from 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2016, I sought to explain questions regarding differences in college attendance rates based on race/ethnicity as well as intersectional identity groups. In addition, I sought to identify which high school factors best encouraged college enrollment among students of color. Results showed that among students of color, Asian students held a more positive experience through higher math self-efficacy, leading to working and/or taking postsecondary courses. On the other hand, other groups, specifically Black/African American students, Hispanic students, and students of more than one race struggled throughout high school, experiencing lower math self-efficacy, a lower sense of belonging, and lower school engagement. Despite the negative experiences, it was found that Black/African American students were more likely to have every applied or registered to college. It was also found that female students, despite having lower math and science self-efficacy, help higher math and science GPAs and were more likely to apply or register to college. In addition, socioeconomic status was a positive factor throughout the high school students’ experience and postsecondary outcomes as well as the importance of student and parental expectation in regards to student educational attainment. These findings will add to the existing literature, taking a closer look at the differences between races/ethnicities in order to understand that although there are positive outcomes after high school for students of color, the difficulties and barriers persist.