Lifting as You Climb: Social Capital Development Through Aspirational Peer Mentoring

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of Black and Latino high school and undergraduate students involved in an aspirational peer mentoring program for college access. Our findings identified five central themes that contributed to the development of social capital for participants: program expectations and experiences, sustaining relationships, near-peer network support, connecting through symbiotic roles, and keeping the legacy going. Findings contribute to an understanding of the relationship among factors that facilitate social network development.