Women leaving welfare seeking self-sufficiency, has been closely examined from an external focus. This article purposes to augment the discussion on self-sufficiency by focusing on an internal factor, i.e., self-efficacy, as it relates to women seeking self-sufficiency; and the construction of higher education programming as a tool in building self-efficacy. Critical to the construction and development of higher education programming is the awareness and understanding of those elements that serve as supportive tools in building self-efficacy for women leaving welfare, while participating in higher education programs. Bandura’s (1977) self-efficacy theory and learning model were considered key elements in the design of the Human Services certificate program at the University of Wisconsin for women transitioning from welfare to work through higher education.
View paper: BuildingSelf-Efficacy _ UWO_UMOS Article