Effects of Student and Family Background Characteristics on Post-Secondary Education Access, Persistence, and Completion and Labour Market Outcomes in British Columbia

Authors:Ashley PullmanMichael DuboisReuben FordRuo Feng

Supporting young Canadians to realize their maximum potential is a widely embraced political aim, regardless of whether the ultimate objective is enhancing economic growth, fostering innovation and competitiveness, social inclusion, or reducing social and health disparities.

Most individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds need to embark on post-secondary education, which may include trades, college, or university, to excel in the global knowledge-driven economy. While many encounter barriers on their educational and labour market journeys, policymakers lack detailed information about the specific obstacles faced, where they arise, and which students are most at risk.

To identify trends and potential barriers in education and labour market outcomes over the early life course, this research examined how early student, schooling, family, and neighbourhood characteristics relate to: entering post-secondary education (PSE), completing a PSE credential, earnings levels among PSE graduates, and labour market entry and earnings of those who did not pursue further schooling after high school.

To learn more about key findings, read or download the full report.

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Project Details

Capability: Data Sciences
Policy Area: Post-Secondary Education - Graduate Labour Market - Access and Persistence, Youth Development and Inclusion
Population: Students - Youth
Start Date: November 2022
Completion Date: March 2024
Sponsors: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

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