While research is traditionally led and conducted by adults trained in research methods and analysis, Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) flips this paradigm by identifying those most impacted and bringing them into the process as co-researchers. Recognizing the power of YPAR, EdTrust completed its first YPAR project focused on middle school college and career readiness — a crucial time when students are developing stronger identities and clearer ideas about their futures.

We conducted this project in partnership with Identity in Montgomery County, Maryland, with six middle and high school student co-researchers — prioritizing the recruitment of students of color, whose perspectives are too often left out of these conversations. They wanted to understand what kinds of experiences students want middle schools to provide to support college and career exploration. The YPAR team collectively built knowledge, developed focus group protocols, conducted five focus groups with middle and high school students, analyzed the data to identify themes, and developed policy recommendations.

Blogs

We Need More Student-Led Research Programs Like YPAR

Maryland Middle School Students Are Being Left Behind