Overview of Qualitative Research

The qualitative component of this study is designed to address two primary questions:

     (1) How does the "region" as a unit of analysis matter in the process of youth disconnection and

     connection?

     (2) Are there regional factors that might be addressed through regional advocacy, planning, policy

     development, and/or investment?

To this end, it includes two analytical strands that together comprise a "top-down" and "bottom-up" approach to examining support for youth well-being in the regional context: (1) an analysis of regional institutional networks focused on youth well-being, and (2) an analysis of factors that contribute to school dropout and available supports intended to promote school persistence, from the vantage points of youth and their adult allies.

Research Activities

Data Collection: Regional Networks and Institutions

Data collection will focus on identifying and describing networks of organizations working within the Capital Region, mapping the geographical "footprint" of these networks, examining the ways and extent to which they focus on youth-relevant issues, and exploring whether/how these entities have adopted coordinated strategies across the region.  Toward this end, data will be collected primarily through a census of regional networks and interviews with organization, agency, and industry representatives.  We seek to better understand: (1) existing institutional networks in terms of: (a) how youth well-being is being defined, (b) how resources are being allocated and utilized, and (c) what policy and advocacy strategies are being pursued toward this goal; and (2) the possibilities and limits of multi-scalar coalitions and policy initiatives aimed at addressing patterns of uneven development.

Data Collection: Youth Experiences of (Dis) Connection

This strand of data collection includes two main strategies:

• Youth Ally Interviews are being conducted with adults throughout the region who have strong, respectful relationships with young people who have dropped out, or considered dropping out, of school.  Interviewees have been selected through a snowball sampling process, with attention to geographic spread, youth populations reached, and institutional affiliations.  We seek to better understand: (1) the characteristics of Capital Region youth who are not well-positioned to make a healthy transition to adulthood, (2) the availability of supports, and (3) existing untapped resources.  In addition, we will explore the possibility of partnering with interviewees to identify participants with the youth ethnographies.

• Ethnographic Case Studies of youth from throughout the Capital Region who have dropped out or considered not finishing high school will be developed to explore the variety of intersecting factors that shape young people's school trajectories.  A series of interviews and mapping activities will be conducted with up to fifteen youth.

Data Analysis

This team will pursue a multi-phased data analysis process, working first within its two analytical strands, next across those strands, and finally in coordination with the quantitative and youth-engaged teams.