The Sociology and Anthropology Department will host its second of the semester research talk “It’s Not That … I Just Got Lucky”: What Emancipated Foster Youth of Color Teach Us about U.S. Higher Education Institutions and Belonging by Dr. Terrell Strayhorn.
Dr. Chris Wellin, associate professor of sociology, has coordinated a series of talks within the fields of sociology and anthropology. Strayhorn, a professor and program coordinator in the College of Education, has special interests in topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. In this particular talk, Strayhorn will share his research related to the higher education of youth of color from foster homes.
Per Strayhorn: “Aging out of foster care presents significant adverse challenges and, contrary to popular belief, potentially advantageous opportunities to youth, especially emancipated foster youth of color who represent an increasingly visible population in higher education. The adversity, precarity, and vulnerability that such youth face aging out of foster care is fairly well-documented, although much less is known about the experiences, relationships, and supports that both buffer against negative factors and facilitate their sense of belonging and success in college.”
Strayhorn uses an “assets-based, critical emancipatory perspective” in his research. Key themes being analyzed are life-changing moments, life-sustaining supports, life-affirming relationships, and lifespan quests for belonging. During the talk he will explain his use of quantitative and qualitative data and the implications of his research for future research, policy, and practice.
Bring your lunch, and join this fascinating talk on Friday, October 21, from noon-1:15 p.m. in Schroeder Hall, room 114 , or join via Zoom.
