Research study · California community colleges

Former foster youth: tell me what helps you stay in college.

I'm a doctoral student studying how former foster youth experience the support their community colleges offer, and how that support shapes whether they keep going. I want to hear it from you, in your own words. This is not an evaluation of any college or program.

Am I eligible?

Answer four quick questions. Nothing you tap here is saved or sent anywhere. The official eligibility check happens when you contact me.

1. Are you 18 or older?
2. Have you spent time in foster care (out-of-home care) in California?
3. Are you enrolled in a California community college now, or were you within the past two years?
4. Has Ted Jackson ever counseled, advised, supervised, or evaluated you?

I work as a community college counselor. To keep this study separate from that role, people I have counseled, advised, supervised, or evaluated can't take part.

Answer all four to see your result

Takes about ten seconds.

This is a quick self-check, not an application. Taking part is your choice, and so is stopping at any time.

What we'd talk about

Four areas of your experience in community college. Tap one to see what that means. You can skip any question.

What happens if you join

Six steps. Tap any step to see what it involves.

    Questions you might have

    Straight answers about privacy, your program, and what you can skip.

    Will NextUp, Guardian Scholars, or my college know if I take part?

    Program staff may share this flyer, but they have no role in who participates, and they will not give me your name or contact information. You contact me directly.

    Whether you take part or not will have no bearing on your standing with NextUp, Guardian Scholars, or any other program or service.

    How is my information kept private?

    You will be given a pseudonym before your interview is transcribed. Details that could identify you, such as program names, campus locations, or caseworker names, are removed or made more general in the written record.

    Recordings are kept on a password-protected device that only I can access. The file that links your name to your pseudonym is stored separately from the transcripts. No identifying information will appear in the dissertation, presentations, or publications.

    Do I have to answer every question?

    No. You can skip any question, take a break, or stop at any time, and you can withdraw from the study without penalty.

    Will the interview be recorded?

    Yes. Audio recording is required to take part, so I can capture your words accurately. I will confirm your consent at the start of the interview. I transcribe the recording myself and delete it after the transcript is checked and identifying details are removed.

    Where is the interview held?

    All interviews are on Zoom. You can join from anywhere private where you won't be overheard.

    What if talking about this feels hard?

    Some questions may bring up sensitive experiences. If you seem upset, I'll pause and you can continue, take a break, reschedule, or stop. Before every interview I'll share support resources, whether or not anything difficult comes up.

    Can I share this with someone who might qualify?

    Yes. You are welcome to share this page or the flyer. Please do not give me their name or contact information. They can contact me directly if they are interested.

    Who is running this study?

    I'm Ted Jackson, a doctoral candidate in Leadership for Educational Justice at the University of Redlands. This study is for my dissertation. My faculty sponsor is Dr. Brian Charest, Department of Teaching and Learning, School of Education.

    When do I get the gift card?

    You receive a $20 gift card for taking part, even if you decide to stop the interview early. You never have to answer every question or finish to receive it.

    Ready, or just curious? Reach out.

    Contact me directly. I'll email you a short eligibility questionnaire, then send a consent form to read before anything is scheduled.

    Email ted.jackson@norcocollege.edu
    Open mail app
    Phone or text (951) 790-2057

    Ted Jackson, Ed.D. candidateUniversity of Redlands, Leadership for Educational Justice