A Closer Look at Educational Trajectories for Young Adults with Prior System Involvement: Potential for Vocational Paths

Background and Purpose: Post-secondary educational outcomes for system-involved youth (e.g., youth with experience in foster care, juvenile justice, mental health systems) are poor. Many studies do not distinguish between distinct types of post-secondary educational trajectories, however. In particular there has been limited attention to the potential for post-secondary vocational education (PSVE) as a viable educational path that may lead to positive career outcomes such as stable employment and financial well-being. This study addresses the question: What are the experiences of young adults with prior system-involvement who enroll in PSVE programs, including the decision-making factors, and facilitators and barriers to access and completion?

Methods: To understand experiences and decision-making processes regarding PSVE we conducted qualitative interviews with 16 young adults at two time points. Respondents were contacted by distributing recruitment e-mails through student listservs at four community colleges in one state. Initial interviews were conducted via Zoom to collect data on youths’ decision-making regarding educational and career programs, social supports and barriers, and impacts of previous system involvement. Second interviews were conducted approximately three months later to determine the continued progress or regress in the trajectory. Demographic data and details of system involvement were collected via a Qualtrics survey. After transcription, interview data were analyzed by a three-person team using narrative analysis to describe, compare and analyze young adult trajectories. Use of timelines identified (1) early antecedents to the career pathway, (2) previous starts/stops/changes, (3) current status and planned completion, and (4) updates at the three-month follow-up.

Results: There was wide diversity in the career paths chosen by young people including several previous starts and stops before the current educational experience. Many young people chose fields that reflected their interests and sometimes these interests were long-standing. Although various forms of social support were received throughout their journey, respondents also reported earlier efforts by case workers, family or friends, to dissuade them from their career path. Avoidance of debt was a common theme reflecting their chosen pursuit of vocationally focused education. Ease of locality and availability of online options were also important. At follow up, all but one respondent had completed or continued upon their path. Personal resilience as well as social support and financial assistance were critical factors.

Conclusions and Implications: Results provide a deepened understanding of the pathways of connection to education, training, and employment among young adults with earlier system involvement. Heretofore primary research attention has been focused on college attendance. This study demonstrates the importance of more vocationally oriented education and support for some young people. Implications include: (1) listening to young people regarding their vocational interests and supporting this career trajectory; (2) partnering with community colleges that were highly supportive for this sample; (3) reconceptualizing educational and career pathways for more discontinuous and circuitous routes and supporting these routes; (4) strengthening the skills of social workers, caseworkers (and other professionals) in educational and career guidance.