Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark Gordon

Abstract

In this case study, strategies to increase the impact of mentorship programs and academic success of African American high school students were examined through the use of a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. The purpose of this case study was to gather empirical data to identify opportunities for First Generation College Bound, Inc., an affiliate of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative to strategically improve and expand their program. The research question focused on identifying the programs’ current administrative practices as well as areas to better engage and support mentees. Using the conceptual framework of Hersey and Blanchard’s situational theory of leadership, data were collected through semistructured interviews and focus groups with eight coaches/mentors and three executive staff members who shared their perspectives on program weaknesses and areas of improvement. The data were then coded to derive themes. The results revealed that retention of qualified mentors/coaches was the organization’s biggest weakness, whereas the greatest strength was the mentors/coaches’ ability to leverage personal backgrounds in a relatable and impactful way. Organizational funding, staff training, and staff placement were three theme areas that needed improvement. The results of this study may assist similar programs that are interested in mitigating weaknesses and identifying areas for improvement. The findings of this study may bring about positive social change by leveraging the SWOT analysis to focus on the researcher’s recommendations that organizational leaders can reference to support their vision and achieve program sustainability.

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