Educational trajectories of disadvantaged youth: towards an impact model for interventions that empower disadvantaged youngsters in the process of study choice

Study choices represent crucial transition moments that shape students’ educational trajectories, academic success and professional careers. However, there is a lack of effective, evidence-based interventions that address social inequality in the transition from primary to secondary education. TAJO vzw aims to empower disadvantaged youth (aged 10-14) throughout this process. Through a weekendschool offering experiential workshops, participants cultivate knowledge, talents and critical skills.

This study investigates the impact of the intervention on (1) educational trajectories of disadvantaged students. It examines (2) whether and how the intervention influences the study-choice process, more specifically, whether (2a) participants experience a more deliberate decision-making process and/or (2b) the intervention exerts an indirect effect through self-concept, feelings of futility and social capital. Such impact research requires a longitudinal, quasi-experimental, mixed-method design