This paper's objective is to connect macro level data to a micro example, within the context of public sociology. The author interviewed a student at Ball State University who had been involved in the Project Leadership mentoring program before attending college. The data gathered was used to guide integration of literature regarding educational attainment. Topics discussed include individual, parental, and school factors with a primary focus on class and socioeconomic status and the importance of mentoring programs when working with children coming from poverty.