“We Try to Build Relationships”: The Role of School Community and Belonging on Career Preparedness

Abstract

High school graduation and successful entry into post-secondary education or the workforce has been a priority for educational policymakers, career development scholars, and educators for decades. Consensual qualitative research methods were used to analyze 11 education professionals working in high schools with high free and reduced lunch rates and were graduating students at a rate above the national average. Analysis of the data identified three domains: (a) School Climate (b) Community Impact and Involvement and, (c) Societal, Systemic, and Logistical Factors as being supportive of college and career readiness. Within domains were seven categories further describing specific factors perceived to be related to student post-secondary success. Limitations, future research directions, and implications for career development theory, practice, and practice will be discussed.