Paula Luginbuhl

My research examines factors that influence the aspiration-expectation gap among Latino and low-income students. My dissertation examines how sociopolitical development, or awareness and motivation to change barriers to educational and career development, affects academic motivation and subsequent school achievement and educational/occupational outcomes. The results of this project will contribute to prevention efforts aimed at enhancing the educational and career-related outcomes of low-income and Latino students. I will be collecting data through a one-time survey in three Oregon public schools. This award will allow me to provide monetary incentives to schools for participation in this study. In addition, the award will be used for data collection costs and statistical software and support necessary to complete this project.

Paula Luginbuhl is a doctoral student in the Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services and a recipient of the 2012-13 Betty Foster McCue Scholarship.