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Sex Education and Inequity: A Policy Analysis of AB 329
No full textSex education in the U.S. varies widely due to the lack of a federal standard, leaving states to adopt differing approaches shaped by local values and norms. California Assembly Bill 329 (AB 329), also known as the California Healthy Youth Act, mandates comprehensive, inclusive, and medically accurate sexual health education in public schools. While the policy sets a progressive statewide standard, questions remain about the equity of its implementation across diverse districts. This study seeks to explore whether AB 329 is achieving equitable outcomes by analyzing student self-reports on sexual health knowledge, confidence, and curriculum inclusivity in three California high schools. Using quantitative survey methods, the research investigates whether students in under-resourced districts report lower levels of comfort or understanding compared to peers in more advantaged settings. The findings are expected to highlight how disparities in local implementation may undermine the policy's equity goals. This study contributes to public administration literature by emphasizing the gap between policy intent and street-level delivery and calls for greater attention to culturally responsive implementation practices in sex education reform
Human Resource Initiatives and Incentives to Improve Retention and Recruitment Strategies of Millennial and Generation Z Eligibility Workers in Social Services
No full textThis research aims to identify potential factors that contribute to the retention of Millennial and Generation Z Eligibility Workers in the County of Santa Barbara (COSB) Department of Social Services (DSS). Employee retention is key to providing exceptional customer service and to creating a self-sufficient community. The qualitative research aims to provide ideas for Human Resource incentives that do not excessively affect the budget of the County of Santa Barbara DSS. Millennial and Generation Z Eligibility Workers in the COSB DSS will be surveyed to gain an understanding of employee values and beliefs. Additionally, the survey will help to identify what the COSB DSS lacks. The qualitative research data will be reviewed to provide a road map for the COSB DSS to create a positive culture and employment retention that will lead to productivity, modernization, and organizational economization
Empowering Young Women in California: Bridging Equity Gaps in STEM and Skilled Trades for 21st-Century Careers in Transportation and Infrastructure
No full textGirls from historically underrepresented communities continue to face limited access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and career pathways in California. Limited early opportunities to explore STEM fields, a lack of culturally relevant programming, and a scarcity of hands-on learning experiences contribute to ongoing gaps in access, confidence, and career exploration. The qualitative study examines how educators, professionals, and industry leaders design early exposure opportunities that build confidence, foster identity development, and increase participation in STEM and the skilled trades among girls. The central phenomenon being examined is how culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and real-world engagement help girls begin to see themselves in nontraditional fields. Participants include a senior leader in strategic planning and workforce development, a college and career pathway director and specialist, a STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE) educator, an education and workforce development consultant, a nonprofit executive, and a university-based advocate for women in engineering and leadership. These individuals are directly involved in designing early STEM access programs, mentoring initiatives, and hands-on learning experiences for underrepresented girls. The study is based in California and draws on data from semi-structured interviews and archival research, including newspaper articles, a university-affiliated report, blog content, and a mainstream magazine feature focused on outreach efforts and equity in STEM education. Emerging themes include exposure to role models and industry access, barriers to equitable STEM and trade access for underrepresented girls, building pipelines through curriculum and community engagement, supportive networks that foster student confidence and success, and culturally responsive outreach and identity development in STEM. Findings will support educators, nonprofit leaders, workforce development professionals, and policymakers in their efforts to expand access to foundational STEM and trade education for underrepresented girls
Artificial intelligence in public administration: understanding the risks and challenges
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how government operates, promising significant enhancements in efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery. The implementation of AI in the public sector, however, raises challenges. This thesis explores the primary challenges to the implementation of AI and democratic governance. Findings reveal that public agencies face challenges such as algorithmic opacity, bias in systems used to make decisions that impact the lives of the public, diminished bureaucratic discretion of public servants, and a fragmented regulatory framework
Healthy breasts for a healthy life: Breast cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latina women
No full textBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally and in the United States (U.S). It is the most common cancer death among Hispanic/Latina/e women living in the U.S. Breast cancer screening is the most effective method of prevention. Recently, the United States Preventative Task Force included women ages 40-49 to its recommendation on biennial screening for breast cancer. AltaMed Health Services is a Federal Qualified Health Center that has seven clinics who are struggling with achieving breast cancer screening targets. The priority population are Hispanic/Latina/e women over the age of 40 that are current patients at AltaMed. Educational interventions aimed at increasing knowledge of breast cancer and preventative measures have been shown to be effective. The use of fotonovelas, a traditional print booklet with stories, in previous studies and interventions demonstrate that they are impactful and help the educational program be culturally relevant among the Hispanic/Latina population. The Health Belief Model (HBM) will be used to guide the pilot program. The program aims to increase awareness on breast cancer risk factors and preventative measures. The program expects to increase knowledge on breast cancer and risk factors, reduce barriers by informing them about Every Women Counts program, develop self-efficacy by knowing when and how to schedule a breast cancer screening. The pilot program will take place over a course of two years. The breast cancer screening programs will be offered at the seven clinics. The program will increase the amount of scheduled breast cancer screenings among the seven struggling clinics. The program will increase breast cancer screening completion for each of the seven clinics. Participants will be evaluated using the Champion's Health Belief Scale. A paired t-test will be used to evaluate the scores for each HBM concept before and after the intervention
Exploring the Outcomes of Management Strategies and Leadership Styles on Public Service Motivation (PSM)
No full textThis systematic literature review will explore the outcomes of management strategies and leadership styles on Public Service Motivation (PSM). Management strategies are actions that organizations can implement to influence PSM. Leadership styles are the actions individuals can take to impact PSM. PSM measures the internal and altruistic motivations of people to work in the public sector and serve the community. Individuals with high levels of PSM tend to be more motivated, perform better, be more satisfied with their jobs, and show greater commitment to their organization than those with lower PSM levels. The effects of management strategies and leadership styles-such as Human Resource Management (HRM), transformational leadership, alignment of mission and vision, and congruence of goals and values between the organization and the individual-will be examined in how they influence PSM in public organizations
Re-evaluating traditional educational models: A push for early college coursework attainment through strategic partnerships between community colleges and high school districts
No full textIncreasing higher education costs have created institutional discrepancies that undermine the public's perceptions of higher education as a method of social mobility and potential career advancement. This paper examines existing research revolving around dual enrollment programming and whether state policies pushing for dual enrollment programming can better prepare students for post-secondary life. Utilizing a systematic literature review, this research evaluates the benefits or drawbacks of dual enrollment programs, their pathways for post- secondary transitions, and the varying methods of implementation on student success during and after students have completed their college coursework. The findings of this research reveal the impactful role that dual enrollment coursework can have on student success within high school, as well as their post-secondary transitions if reinforced with resources, funding, and support systems. California state educational policy should prioritize a funding model that establishes comprehensive dual enrollment programming in connection with the community college system to ensure successful post-secondary transitions. Additionally, establishing these programs in connection with future labor demands can align course programming while preparing the state's workforce for the future
The Effectiveness of Rent Control, Minimum Wage Policies, and Homelessness Prevention Programs in Reducing Housing Instability and Homelessness
No full textHousing instability and homelessness in Los Angeles County are indicative of some of the most urgent and visible effects of widening socioeconomic inequality in the State. The County's persistent affordability crisis, resulting from rising rents and stagnant wages, highlights the need for evidence-based policy interventions. This study examines the effectiveness of rent control, minimum wage policies, and rental assistance programs in reducing housing instability and homelessness. Through a systematic review, the research assesses the impact of these policies on housing stability, affordability, and access. Findings suggest that rent control policies provide short-term protection for long-term tenants, but are limited by legislative constraints. Rental assistance programs, particularly Housing Choice Vouchers, demonstrate the most substantial long-term impact on housing stability. While increasing the minimum wage reduces income inequality, neither is sufficient on its own to prevent homelessness. These findings suggest that a multi-pronged policy approach is necessary to address the complexity of housing instability in high-cost urban areas
Silent epidemic of the American childhood that is risking America's future
No full textMore than thirty years ago the juvenile justice system (JJS) was deemed a socially toxic environment. However, thousands of children are still being confined in these environments, or detention facilities, annually. The purpose of this systemic literature review is to further the knowledge pertaining to the impact of incarceration on different life outcomes among children. Specifically, a systematic search was conducted utilizing different database systems and academic search engines to retrieve publications. Findings reveal that youth incarceration exacerbates wellness and behavioral issues, creates loss of educational and employment opportunities, affects girls more intensely than boys, and does not deter future delinquent behavior. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Model illuminates how the multiple series of ecosystems or environments, for which a child belongs, can be utilized to evoke policy, program and procedural changes in pursuit of a more positive outcome for those adversely affected by the JJS in America
Examining the Impact of Public Administration Leadership Style on Employee Retention in Public Sector Organizations
No full textHigh turnover rates are prevalent in public sector settings, effectively diminishing quality of service and ability to attain organizational goals. Gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between leadership, employee satisfaction and intent and organizational effectiveness can guide public administration towards more sustainable leadership practices and prevent a diminishing workforce and, in turn, maintain the quality of services. This study utilizes a systematic literature review of recent peer-reviewed literature, supplemented by older articles for context. The focus of this research is on key leadership factors and their effects on employee satisfaction and retention and how they impact the overall organizational performance. The findings indicate that leadership quality strongly influences work performance, employee satisfaction, and loyalty and often determines organizational health. It also underscores the need for future research to address diversity among employees and evolving workspaces. Keywords: Leadership, Immediate supervisor, Employee, Staff, Retention, Turnover, Job Satisfaction, Public sector, Government, Public Administration, Public service