The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand how students' involvement in TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services has affected their decision to persist in obtaining a postsecondary degree. The overall aim in the study was to explore critical influences on the student's participation in these services, particularly those that influenced their decision to obtain or not obtain a postsecondary degree. To explore these issues, the study focused on answering the following three research questions: (a) How has Upward Bound influenced students to enroll in college?, (b) How has Student Support Services influenced the persistence of college students?, and (c) What factors do students describe as most influential for them as they made decisions to persist in college after being involved in both programs?

The major findings from the study indicated that five factors were influential in enabling students to enroll and persist in college: (a) the creation of a support team to help students stay motivated and focused, (b) the provision of quality one on one tutoring, (c) teaching students study strategies for all subjects, (d) providing college knowledge workshops, and (e) providing college tours.

The results of this study suggest that these types of activities are effective in increasing the forms of capital outlined in the Neo-Capitalist theories (Social, Cultural, Economic, and Human Capital) which can help students enroll and persist in obtaining a postsecondary degree. The programs implemented by Upward Bound and Student Support Services have helped circumvent the forces that are known to impede persistence in obtaining a postsecondary degree. These forces include the militating, negative external, and negative internal forces.

The findings also revealed that the family background is not the final factor in determining a student's level of Social and Cultural Capital. The support provided by Upward Bound and Student Support Services was shown to be a stronger determining factor of whether a student will enroll and persist in obtaining a college degree. The high school experience can be enhanced by the support provided by Upward Bound to help students enroll in college. Recommendations for further research are suggested.