Date Approved

6-9-2004

Embargo Period

4-21-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Higher Education Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton

Subject(s)

Rowan University; C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program--Evaluation; Children with social disabilities--Education--New Jersey

Disciplines

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of early intervention / pre-college programs. The study sought to determine if there was any significant information regarding the impacts of early intervention / pre-college programs on target populations. The study involved 92 conveniently selected students from Cooper's Poynt Family School and Woodrow Wilson High School, located in Camden, New Jersey. The primary focus of the study was the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program and its effectiveness on selected youth. The data collection instruments included a 15-question survey and scores from a Pineland ecology pre & post-test. This self designed survey was based upon a national GEAR-UP Program survey that is used nationally on an annual basis. The pre / post-test were produced by the C.H.A.M.P. Program and are used during the six-week summer sessions to identify students' knowledge base in math, reading, and environmental science.

Out of 120 surveys that were distributed, 92 were returned by mail, for a response rate of 77%. The results of the survey showed that there were significant impacts for students that joined the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program. Attitudes and opinions regarding the program's services and influences towards college, ranged in agreement between 63% to 89% for the early intervention program. The study concluded that generally students who participated in the C.H.A.M.P./GEAR-UP Program and responded to the survey enjoyed their experiences, improved their academic skills, and rated highly the effectiveness of the program.

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