Project title: Why is This Still Happening?: A Case Study on Educational Disparities
Project description: Rochester, New York, is known for its contributions to higher education, yet severe disinvestment in the Rochester City School District limits the opportunities and success of local K-12 students. I aim to conduct case study of Padilla High School, which experiences extremely low academic achievement and growth, a high rate of students in special education, and delayed infrastructure renovations. What are the factors that have led to the inequitable outcomes seen at Padilla, and to what extent is the school responsible for these outcomes? To what extent are governments responsible? I will begin with data collection of demographics, outcomes, and disparities in Padilla. I will then conduct interviews with students, teachers, and administrators to collect individual perspectives about the conduct, priorities, and efficacy of each school. There are elements of poverty, racism, environmental injustice, and inadequate educational policy in this project due to unique location and political factors. This research can contribute to data and suggestions about education and policy reform by bringing attention to disparities on a micro level.
Most important achievement: I was the valedictorian of my high school graduating class and transferred to Cornell with a perfect GPA at my former university.
Reflections on the College Scholar Program: This program has been an amazing opportunity to meet other passionate scholars, learn about interesting and important research, and take an interdisciplinary approach to my undergraduate education. I look forward to spending the next few years working on my research alongside amazing faculty and students.