Personal Agency and the Path to Higher Education: Experiences of Youth in Residential Care

The enrollment of young people in residential care in higher education remains significantly lower compared to their non-institutionalized peers. This study explores the role of personal agency in the decision-making process of care-experienced youth entering higher education. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 young individuals currently in residential care and pursuing higher education. Thematic analysis, revealed variations in influencing factors, such as internal versus external agency and future orientation, which led to the identification of three distinct profiles. Further analysis examined how experiences in residential care, school, and extended family shaped their educational pathways. Findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions that foster internal motivation and emotional resilience, essential for navigating higher education and the transition to independent living. The study highlights the critical need for collaborative efforts across care systems, emphasizing the value of nurturing supportive relationships and fostering belief in the aspirations of these youth.