Factors that Influence the Success of First-generation, Low Income Latino Community College Students

Factors that Influence the Success of First-generation, Low Income Latino Community College Students

Author: Joseph A. Sandoval

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 175

ISBN-13: 9781085593687

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This doctoral dissertation studied the various factors that influence the success of first generation, low income, Latino, community college students in transferring to four-year colleges and universities. The participants in this study were eight first-generation, low-income Latino male, EOPS community college students. This qualitative inquiry used a descriptive case study methodology and explored the actual and lived experiences of these students through a brief questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Validation Theory (Rendon) and Community Cultural Wealth Theory (Yosso) were used to analyze the participants' stories who have overcome many personal, family and financial hardships to achieve their goal of a college education and who have successfully navigated the transfer admissions process to a four-year college or university. Significant findings indicated that family, faculty/mentors, peers/classmates, ganas/determination, individual/personal attributes, giving back to their family & community and becoming positive role models were the foremost factors that influenced their success in college completion amongst other things. These factors helped the participants successfully navigate the transfer admission to a four-year college or university.


High-Achieving Latino Students

High-Achieving Latino Students

Author: Susan J. Paik

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2020-03-01

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 1648020127

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High-Achieving Latino Students: Successful Pathways Toward College and Beyond addresses a long-standing need for a book that focuses on the success, not failure, of Latino students. While much of the existing research works from a deficit lens, this book uses a strength-based approach to support Latino achievement. Bringing together researchers and practitioners, this unique book provides research-based recommendations from early to later school years on “what works” for supporting high achievement. Praise for High-Achieving Latino Students "This book focuses on an important issue about which we know little. There are many lessons here for both scholars and educators who believe that Latino students can succeed. I congratulate the authors for taking on this timely and significant topic." ~ Guadalupe Valdés, Ph.D., Bonnie Katz Tenenbaum Professor in Education, Stanford University. Author of Con Respeto: Bridging the Distances Between Culturally Diverse Families and Schools "This is a must-read book for leaders in institutions of both K-12 and higher education who want to better understand success factors of Latino students in the US. Using a strength-based framework to understand and support Latino achievement is a new paradigm that must be considered by all." ~ Loui Olivas, Ed.D., President, American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education "In addition to being the right book at the right time, these editors should be congratulated for giving us a stellar example of how a research-practice collaboration comes together to produce such a valuable and lasting contribution to the field of school reform and improvement. Those who work in schools, universities, think tanks and policymaking centers have been waiting anxiously for this kind of book, and it’s now here." ~ Carl A. Cohn, Ed.D., Former Executive Director, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, CA State Board of Education member, and Superintendent "There may not be a silver bullet for solving the so-called problem of Latino underachievement, but well-conceived solutions do exist. This powerful book offers strength- and asset-based frameworks that demonstrate Latino achievement is possible. Read this text to not only get informed, but to also get nurtured and inspired!" ~ Angela Valenzuela, Ph.D., Professor in Education, University of Texas at Austin. Author of Subtractive Schooling: US-Mexican Youth and the Politics of Caring


The Latino Education Crisis

The Latino Education Crisis

Author: Patricia C. Gandara

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 428

ISBN-13: 0674047052

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Drawing on both extensive demographic data and compelling case studies, this book reveals the depths of the educational crisis looming for Latino students, the nation's largest and most rapidly growing minority group.


Low-income, First-generation, African American and Latino Students' Perceptions of Influencing Factors on Their Successful Path to Enrollment in a Four-year College

Low-income, First-generation, African American and Latino Students' Perceptions of Influencing Factors on Their Successful Path to Enrollment in a Four-year College

Author: Gerard J. Rooney

Publisher:

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13:

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?Pub Inc This qualitative study utilized a grounded theory approach to understand first-generation students' perceptions of influences on their successful journey to a four-year college. Twenty low-income, first-generation, African American and Latino students, were interviewed in order to understand who or what influenced them in developing aspirations to college, and at the various stages of the college search and selection process. These students were the first members of their immediate family to attend college. Findings centered around five major influence areas: influences at home, influences at school, influences in the search and choice process, the continuing influence of cost of attendance, and the influence of courage as a necessary virtue for students who are the first members of their families to negotiate their path to college. The home environment provided students with expectation, support, and stability. Parents and/or grandparents were the primary influence for students in the development of an aspiration to attend college. Stability in their elementary and secondary schooling experiences was a contributing influence in their success. Their school environments provided guidance, structure, and recognition. The availability of guidance counselors was essential to the success of the students in making their way to college. Also, teacher recognition and an in-school focus on college preparation activities were key influences for students as they progressed toward college. Distance from home and cost of attendance were overarching considerations in a student's search for a particular college. The availability of a state grant led many students to consider only in-state colleges and universities. Many students considered going away to college as a natural part of the college experience. In the end, distance from home was a more important factor for Latina students and was generally more of an influence for female students than male students. Campus visits were limited to those colleges that provided visit opportunities, typically at no cost to the student. Selection of a particular college was almost universally determined by where students received the best financial aid package. Families seldom spoke of how they would pay for college until a decision had to be made about a particular school. Students expected to take a lead role in paying for college. Students felt ongoing confusion about how they would pay for college and expressed a lack of understanding about how much they and their parents were borrowing to attend college. Students ultimately were responsible for translating their parents' expectation into an aspiration to attend college. Their individual initiative and focus allowed them to progress through high school and prepare themselves for college. A sense of self-advocacy and personal motivation were important qualities that helped students get the necessary assistance they needed to achieve their destination: college.


Academic Achievement of First-Generation Mexican American Males in a Community College

Academic Achievement of First-Generation Mexican American Males in a Community College

Author: Carlos C. Peña

Publisher: Universal-Publishers

Published: 2012-12

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 1612339522

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The purpose of this study was to examine the complexities of successful attainment and achievement of 10 Mexican American males in a rural Southwest community college. This study strives to offer insights concerning the questions: (a) what behavioral patterns of current family, peers, and conditions in school have influenced the educational decisions of these Mexican American males? and (b) what social conditions motivate these Mexican American males to seek and achieve higher education despite adversity? This qualitative research was also aimed at establishing and understanding how a selected number of Mexican American males have achieved academic success. The researcher chose 10 men with either an associate of arts or an associate of science degrees for an in-depth interview and used a semi-structured interview guide in an effort to prompt oral discourse. The interviewer posed questions concerning academic conditions, family impact, college environment, and financial issues. The responses to the questions led to similar themes involved in these students' course completion and graduation. The researcher used a theoretical framework using Bandura's Social Learning Theory (1977) in which he suggests that not only environmental factors, but motivational factors along with self-regulatory mechanisms affect an individual's behavior. This research illustrated the conditions that facilitated reaching the participant's educational goal and mission, which was to complete a two-year degree at the community college. The inquiry examined the behavioral patterns that have been an influence on the educational decisions of these Mexican American males, and what social conditions have motivated them to seek and achieve higher education despite adversity.


A Study of Academic Success Amongst First Generation Latino/as in Higher Education

A Study of Academic Success Amongst First Generation Latino/as in Higher Education

Author: Laura Figueroa

Publisher:

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13:

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The focus of this study is to examine 1) how first generation Latino/a students are able to achieve academically and obtain a college degree and how they overcame the challenges they faced. It will look at 2) in what ways cultural norms and/or expectations can impact the levels of parental involvement, 3) how society defines and challenges first generation Latinos/as experience during their undergraduate years at a four-year university. This study will discuss the importance of understanding college requirements and terms, as well as how to navigate the college preparation process, and the support systems that helped the students overcome them. This study will document how low-income or minority parents' knowledge of college-related issues and navigation processes influence the rates at which their students apply to and enroll at four-year universities and complete their college degree at a four year university. Lastly, this paper will look at the impact that a parent's level of education and SES may have on historically disadvantaged student's desire to consider or actually pursue post-secondary education. It seeks to uncover factors that motivate or hinder Latino/a students' desire to attend and graduate from a four-year university. Specifically the research seeks to address the following questions: 1. What were the challenges faced by first generation Latino/a students while going to a four-year university? 2. What were Latino/a students' families' expectations and/or support while attending a four-year college? 3. What were the difficulties that Latino/a students faced with their parents cultural, level of education and SES? 4. How were they able to overcome these challenges while attending college? This was a qualitative study which was concluded on six first-generation Latino/a students who successfully graduated from California State University, Sacramento. The researcher analyzed the collected data in order to determine the common themes and experiences that the six Latino/a participants experienced in college. All of the interviews were conducted in a public place that was convenient for the participants. This study concluded that the six Latino/a students who successfully graduated from California State University, Sacramento, shared certain characteristics and experience They experienced obstacles and challenges in knowledge of higher education, financial support, parental awareness on higher education and academic support in college; which, appeared to be key to their academic success. Five out of the six participants were involved in a fraternity or sorority, which helped them academically throughout college. All participants worked throughout college since some did not receive financial aid or their parents were not able to help them financially. Being a first generation Latino/a student in higher education was difficult in college, but they were all able to overcome these obstacles by graduating.


The Latina/o Pathway to the Ph.D.

The Latina/o Pathway to the Ph.D.

Author: Jeanett Castellanos

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-03

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 1000978397

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The Latina/o population constitutes the largest racial and ethnic minority group in the U.S. and is disproportionately under-represented in college and in graduate programs. This is the first book specifically to engage with the absence of Latinas/os in doctoral studies. It proposes educational and administrative strategies to open up the pipeline, and institutional practices to ensure access, support, models and training for Latinas/os aspiring to the Ph.D. The under-education of Latina/o youth begins early. Given that by twelfth grade half will stop out or be pushed out of high school, and only seven percent will complete a college degree, it is not surprising so few enter graduate studies. When Latina/o students do enter higher education, few attend those colleges or universities that are gateways to graduate degrees. Regardless of the type of higher education institution they attend, Latinas/os often encounter social and academic isolation, unaffordable costs, and lack of support.This historic under-representation has created a vicious cycle of limited social and economic mobility. There is a paucity of the Latina/o faculty and leaders whom research shows are essential for changing campus climate and influencing institutions to adapt to the needs of a changing student body. As a result, Latina/o graduate students often have few role models, advocates or mentors, and limited support for their research agendas.By reviewing the pipeline from kindergarten through university, this book provides the needed data and insights to effect change for policy makers, administrators, faculty, and staff; and material for reflection for aspiring Latina/o Ph.D.s on the paths they have taken and the road ahead.The book then addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by Latina/os in doctoral programs, and offers guidance for students and those responsible for them. Chapters cover issues of gender and generational differences, the role of culture in the graduate school, mentorship, pursuing research, and professional development opportunities for Latina/os.The book closes with the voices of by Latina/o students who are currently pursuing or recently completed their doctoral degree. These narratives describe their cultural and educational journeys, providing insight into their personal and professional experiences. These stories bring alive the graduate experience for anyone interested in successful recruitment, retention, and graduation of Latina/o doctoral students – an inspiration and guidance to those aspiring to the doctorate.


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

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

Author: Verónica Ventura González

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13:

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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.