Project Abstract

Abstract
 

At-risk youth, often characterized by factors such as poverty, exposure to violence, family instability, or academic difficulties, face significant challenges that can negatively impact their educational outcomes and psychological well-being. School-based counseling programs have emerged as a promising approach to addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population by providing accessible mental health support and targeted interventions within the school setting. This study aims to investigate the role of school-based counseling programs in enhancing academic achievement and psychological well-being among at-risk youth. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining quantitative measures of academic performance, attendance, and psychological well-being indicators with qualitative interviews and observations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and perspectives of students, parents, teachers, and counselors involved in these programs. The findings will contribute to the existing literature on effective interventions for at-risk youth and inform the development and implementation of evidence-based school-based counseling services tailored to the diverse needs of this population.

Project Overview

Chapter 1: Introduction 

At-risk youth are defined as individuals who face various environmental, social, or personal circumstances that increase their likelihood of experiencing adverse outcomes, such as academic failure, substance abuse, delinquency, or mental health problems.^1^ Factors that contribute to being at-risk include poverty, exposure to violence, family instability, learning disabilities, and involvement with the juvenile justice system, among others.^2^

The challenges faced by at-risk youth can have profound impacts on their educational experiences and psychological well-being. These students often struggle with academic performance, attendance, and engagement in school, which can lead to dropout, limited future opportunities, and perpetuate cycles of disadvantage.^3^ Additionally, at-risk youth are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems, which can further exacerbate their academic difficulties and impede their overall development.^4^

Addressing the complex needs of at-risk youth requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that integrates academic support, mental health services, and social-emotional learning interventions. School-based counseling programs have emerged as a promising strategy to provide accessible and holistic support for at-risk students within the familiar and convenient setting of their schools.^5^

School-based counseling programs typically involve licensed counselors or social workers who provide individual and group counseling sessions, as well as educational and preventative services, to address the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.^6^ These programs aim to promote academic achievement, foster positive school climates, and enhance psychological well-being by addressing underlying issues that may impede students' success, such as trauma, mental health challenges, or family difficulties.

While numerous studies have explored the benefits of school-based counseling programs, there is a need for comprehensive research that specifically examines the impact of these interventions on at-risk youth. Existing literature has yielded promising results, suggesting that school-based counseling can improve academic outcomes, reduce disciplinary incidents, and enhance social-emotional functioning.^7^ However, much of the research has focused on broad student populations, overlooking the unique experiences and needs of at-risk youth.

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the role of school-based counseling programs in enhancing academic achievement and psychological well-being among at-risk youth. Specifically, the research objectives are:

1. To assess the impact of school-based counseling programs on academic performance indicators (e.g., grades, attendance, graduation rates) and psychological well-being measures (e.g., anxiety, depression, behavioral problems) among at-risk youth.
2. To explore the subjective experiences and perspectives of students, parents, teachers, and counselors involved in school-based counseling programs, gaining insights into the strengths, challenges, and potential areas for improvement.
3. To identify key factors that contribute to the success or failure of school-based counseling programs in supporting the academic and psychological needs of at-risk youth, including considerations related to program design, implementation, and cultural responsiveness.

By addressing these objectives, the study will provide valuable insights for educators, counselors, policymakers, and community stakeholders, enabling them to develop and implement effective school-based counseling programs tailored to the diverse needs of at-risk youth.

In the subsequent chapters, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature will be presented, followed by a detailed description of the research methodology, data analysis, and the presentation of findings. The study's implications for educational practices, mental health service delivery, and recommendations for future research will be discussed in the concluding chapter.

Footnotes:

1. Moore, K. A. (2006). Defining the term "at risk". Child Trends Research Brief, 12, 1-3.
2. Rumberger, R. W. (2001). Why students drop out of school and what can be done. Dropouts in America: How severe is the problem? What do we know about intervention and prevention, 13-56.
3. Balfanz, R., Byrnes, V., & Fox, J. (2015). Sent home and put off-track: The antecedents, disproportionalities, and consequences of being suspended in the ninth grade. Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk, 5(2), 13.
4. Merikangas, K. R., He, J. P., Burstein, M., Swanson, S. A., Avenevoli, S., Cui, L., ... & Swendsen, J. (2010). Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in US adolescents: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(10), 980-989.
5. Bruns, E. J., Walrath, C., Glass-Siegel, M., & Weist, M. D. (2004). School-based mental health services in Baltimore city: Association with school climate and special education referral. Behavior Modification, 28(4), 491-512.
6. American School Counselor Association. (2012). The ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.
7. Baskin, T. W., Slaten, C. D., Crosby, N. R., Ortego, K., Hoyle, T., & Cobb, R. (2010). School-based child and adolescent social work practice: A longitudinal examination of student outcomes. School Social Work Journal, 34(2), 1-22.