Improving College-going Trends for First Generation Latino Students

Improving College-going Trends for First Generation Latino Students PDF Author: Patricia A. Marchesi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Counseling in higher education
Languages : en
Pages : 276

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How First-generation Latino Commuter Undergraduates Persist to Degree Completion

How First-generation Latino Commuter Undergraduates Persist to Degree Completion PDF Author: Connie Dominguez
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781267073952
Category : College dropouts
Languages : en
Pages :

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"In recent years, Latinos have experienced the highest rate of increase in college enrollment among major ethnic groups. However, because they also tend to be first-generation college students, live at home, and work, they are least likely to persist to bachelor degree completion. Using a semi-structured interview, this qualitative descriptive study explored factors that fostered persistence of 20 first-generation, Latino commuter-university, bachelor degree graduates who faced those challenges. Findings revealed that such students encounter obstacles that hinder college persistence almost immediately upon entry. Having no one to explain in advance how college "works," they cannot adequately anticipate the academic demands and responsibilities, nor do they understand how to navigate the administrative system. They are also constantly overwhelmed at having to juggle not only work and schoolwork, but also traditional Latino family obligations required of them by parents who also do not understand what being a college student entails. Other factors, however, helped them overcome these challenges: support from parents, financial aid programs, and on-campus relationships. The most important parental support was permission for the student to use work earnings for college expenses. Financial aid programs were essential to supplement these earnings and whatever modest financial support parents might provide. On-campus relationships were a critical aspect of Latino students' support system. Staff provided essential personal academic advising. Faculty--especially Latino faculty--offered caring personal attention and role models. Equally important were relationships with other Latino students, which provided needed information and cultural affinity. Seeing others "like me" succeed helped these students believe they, too, could persist and graduate. Educators and administrators at commuter universities can positively affect Latino college persistence by increasing students' knowledge about and access to financial aid, offering programs that prepare Latino students and their parents for the multiple demands of being a college student, and establishing structures designed to increase Latino students' social and academic integration. Given current demographic shifts, improving Latino college graduation rates are not only a question of equity and social justice, but may be an important factor in the future overall health of the United States economy" -- Abstract, p. 1-2.

Latino Access to Higher Education

Latino Access to Higher Education PDF Author: Martin Guevara Urbina
Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher
ISBN: 0398090920
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 285

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Book Description
While the black and white racial experience has been delineated over the years, the ethnic realities of Latinos have received minimal attention. Therefore, with Latinos projected as the upcoming U.S. population majority, the central goal of this book is to document the Latino experience in the world of academia, focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on first-generation Latino students in higher education, delineating the dynamics of the educational journey, while situating their experiences within the ethnic community, the overall American society, and the international community. The text focuses on (1) ethnic realities including Latino student access to higher education, retention, graduation rates, and career success; (2) analysis of historic trends; (3) extensive review of prior empirical studies; (4) a holistic portrayal of education in the U.S.; (5) a qualitative study conducted in an institution of higher education in Texas, placing the stories of participating Latino students in theoretical context; (6) vivid documentation of historically entrenched racial ideologies in American education; (7) exploration of potential solutions to historical and contemporary barriers confronting Latino students; (8) development of a model of empowerment for Latino students; (9) information for the establishment of a balanced educational system; (10) accountability of higher education institutions; (11) review of revolutionizing education in the midst of current globalization; and (12) venturing into the future of Latino education in the overall American experience. Finally, the book seeks to examine not only America’s racism that is evident, but also the structural, cultural, and ideological forces that have influenced and continue to perpetuate the current educational situation for Latinos.

Stories of Success

Stories of Success PDF Author: Martha Lynn Sheffield
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First-generation college students
Languages : en
Pages : 162

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Book Description
With projections indicating that by the year 2025, one of every four K-12 students in the United States will be Latino, addressing the needs of Latino students is an important question for educators. This study approached this question through an analysis of the educational life histories, stories, of successful first generation Mexican-American college graduates to understand some of the factors which helped them succeed in college. I categorized the stories inductively into three themes: 1) stories of students and school, 2) stories of friends, family, and cultural communities, and 3) stories about race and politics. Participants' intellectual self-concept, both positive and negative, was to a great extent influenced by the messages they received from the educational system. Some of the participants took a traditional path from high school through college, while others took very indirect paths. The support that they received from special programs at the university as well as from their webs of support was crucial in their success. In addition, I found that race mattered when the participants transitioned from their majority Latino high schools to the majority white university as the participants told stories of navigating the cultural and racial dynamics of their status as college students. The participants in my study worked hard to achieve their college degrees. "It's hard" was a phrase often repeated by all participants; hard work was also a cultural value passed on by hard working parents and family members. Stories of luck, both good and bad, factored into their educational life histories. Collaborative programs between secondary school and the university were helpful in creating a transitional bridge for the participants as were culturally-based mentoring programs. The participants benefitted from the culturally-based support they received at the university and the cultural and emotional support of their families. The participants' stories highlight the importance of a race-conscious approach to college going; one which begins with race and builds cross-racial coalitions. This approach would benefit Latino students and, ultimately improve the college going experiences of all students.

Improving College Student Retention

Improving College Student Retention PDF Author: Robert D. Reason
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000981118
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 352

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Book Description
Higher education institutions have already begun to see decreasing enrollment numbers, even as higher education enrollment is predicted to drop precipitously starting in 2025. Much of the decrease in enrollment will be driven by demographic trends about which higher education institutions can do little, making the retention of students who do enroll that much more important. Overall retention rates have stagnated and differential retention rates by race and ethnicity have persisted. If higher education institutions, researchers, and policy makers are to improve retention rates, a critical examination of the current state and future directions of retention research is essential.This edited volume begins that examination by addressing several questions: What are the needed directions in theory and research on college student persistence and how do we translate new theory and research into effective practices? Are we asking the right questions, looking in the right places, or trying to apply out-of-date theories to new populations? In short, how can the research community help institutions improve retention in this challenging time?

Hispanics and the Future of America

Hispanics and the Future of America PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309164818
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 502

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Book Description
Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a population that varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status, and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources to describe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography, geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, and political engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call "Hispanic." The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of how Hispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect the United States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertainties include such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improve their educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economic position; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizens and achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office; whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whether Hispanics' geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. The papers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues.

Faculty and First-Generation College Students: Bridging the Classroom Gap Together

Faculty and First-Generation College Students: Bridging the Classroom Gap Together PDF Author: Vickie L. Harvey
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118207912
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 121

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Book Description
Gain a greater understanding of the academic, cultural, and social experiences of first-generation college students (FGS). Fascinating, heart-touching, and important, the research and the stories presented here enlighten what FGS often have to overcome to successfully complete their degrees. With an emphasis on improving FGS' college success, retention, and graduation rates, this volume first covers common obstacles and the trend of FGS continuing on for graduate degrees. Section Two discusses the complex interplay of social, academic, emotional, and financial influences on academic performance. The chapters collectively affirm that the commitment of university resources is critical to college success. This is the 127th volume of the Jossey-Bass higher education quarterly report New Directions for Teaching and Learning, which offers a comprehensive range of ideas and techniques for improving college teaching based on the experience of seasoned instructors and the latest findings of educational and psychological researchers.

High-achieving, Low Income, First-generation Latino Community College Students

High-achieving, Low Income, First-generation Latino Community College Students PDF Author: Verónica Ventura González
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : College choice
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
Though an increasing number of Latino students is attending college upon graduation from high school, the vast majority of these students, even if they are high-achieving students who could attend a four-year college or university, choose to enroll into two-year community colleges. This study discusses the process by which high-achieving, low-income, first-generation Latino students make college choices. This study uses McDonough's college choice model and Stanton-Salazar's social capital framework on institutional and protective agents to analyze student interview data to help explain how social class, schooling experiences, families, and student perceptions impact college choices and opportunities for Latino students. The results of this study and previous research suggest educational practices and policies which would improve young Latino's access to four-year colleges.

How Persevering Latina/o First-Generation College Students Navigate Their College Experience

How Persevering Latina/o First-Generation College Students Navigate Their College Experience PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : First-generation college students
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description
Latina/o first-generation college students, along with their families, are learning a new culture when considering going to four-year universities. While the conversation involving Latina/o first-generation college students can often focus on attrition, I am interested in exploring what, from participants' point of view, are the successes they experience as well as the most challenging obstacles they encounter on their journey to graduating from four-year universities. Employing the theoretical frameworks of constructivism, critical race theory, and cultural capital, the purpose of this study was to go beyond the conversation of Latina/o first-generation college student attrition by examining how they navigate postsecondary institutions and explore the implications associated with how higher education affects them. I intend to highlight the already powerful voices of Latina/o first-generation college students who are brave enough to be the first in their immediate families to embark on a demanding odyssey to attain four-year degrees. My participants were recruited from classes in the Chicano/Latino studies department as well as a cultural resource center, both at a four-year university in the Pacific Northwest. Using qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews, Draw-A-College-Student, and participant written reflections, I examined the lived experiences of persisting Latina/o first-generation college students from their own perspectives. To provide a well-rounded account of the Latina/o postsecondary experience, I engaged the voices of eight participants in this study. This research found that while Latina/o first-generation college students feel that they are trailblazers in working to improve family life through education, they often feel unseen and underrepresented in higher education. Through highlighting Latina/o first-generation college student voices and experiences instead of just focusing on attrition, this study also recommends actions for change based on participant feedback. Ultimately, participants in this study felt that more support is needed for Latina/o first-generation students to attain four-year degrees in higher education.

First-generation Students

First-generation Students PDF Author: Anne-Marie Nuñez
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 142892728X
Category : College attendance
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description