The effects of the Lincoln National Corporation Business-Assisted Summer Employment Program upon the self-concept scores and select-job retention factors of high school students from low-income families

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the Lincoln National Corporation Business Assisted Summer Employment Program upon the self-concepts and selected job retention factors of junior and senior high school students from low income families in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Specifically, the study was designed to gather and analyze statistical data of participating B.A.S.E. students as compared to nonparticipating students.Literature regarding self-concept, business and education partnerships at both the national and state level was reviewed. Literature study revealed analysis and results of program evaluation, but limited research on program participant self-evaluation. Therefore, this study was undertaken to access the participant through a pre and posttest investigation.The sample of respondents numbered 166, but through attrition due to insufficient availability of data, the study was conducted with 154 students. All 154 students were administered the eighty-item Piers-Harris Self-Concept Children's Scale in May, 1985 and August, 1985. The (1) "yes" and "no" responses were reported, (2) grade, and (3) attendance pre an post data were reported. All data was hand scored by the author, and computed by the Ball State Computing Services Department utilizing multivariate and univariate analysis of variance tests.The responses of the participating and nonparticipating students yielded the following results:1. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the participating and nonparticipating B.A.S.E. students based on the following variables: behavior, intelligence, anxiety, popularity, attendance, physical attributes, and happiness.2. There was a significant difference between participating and nonparticipating students based on grade point averages.3. There was a significant difference between participating and nonparticipating male students' pre and posttest mean scores based on grade point averages.4. There was a significant difference between participating and nonparticipating female students pre and posttest mean scores based on grade point averages. 5. The Lincoln National Corporation B.A.S.E. Program had benefited participants in improving the grade point average, developed a successful partnership with high schools, and fostered community growth through staff volunteerism.