We argue that Latino/a students are more likely to major in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in college if they were educated in high schools where they studied with satisfied teachers who worked in collaborative professional communities. Quantitative results demonstrate that collaborative professional communities in high school…

Students from farmworker families are often cited as having deficits that prohibit completion of undergraduate degree program. Statistics regarding graduates of the College Assistance Migrant Program in a southwestern university have shown graduation rates that are similar to the general population of graduates at that university. This qualitative…

This study examined the experiences of 17 Latina/o students who participated in a university mentoring program that included academic and cultural resources, involvement, and leadership opportunities. The goal was to understand their lived experiences and their own perceptions of their academic success and persistence. An interpretive…

Many Latina students overcome multiple obstacles to earn university degrees. Five married Latina women with children and seasonal farmworker backgrounds are the focus of this study which is analyzed through resiliency theory to understand factors contributing to their academic resilience. Variables connected to academic success are explored and…

Minority retention models have identified student needs that may or may not be addressed by institutional first-year experience (FYE) programming at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). Qualitatively, this study examined Hispanic and Black first-year experiences in an HSI context. Identified themes included sense of belonging, career and major…

Budget cuts have reduced courses and student services within California community colleges. This coincides with the growth of low-income Latino male (Latinos) and Latina female (Latinas) student enrollment. Budget cuts have been implemented throughout the system, including in the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), which…

In this study, most Latino college students preferred the term "Hispanic" over "Latino" as a panethnic term. These Latino students also detailed their differences based on how they perceive other specific Latino ethnic groups, non-Latino groups, their political identity, and their immigration and citizenship status. (Contains 1 table and 1 note.)

The disparity between the educational attainment of Mexican heritage and White individuals illustrate a need for research on factors associated with the high educational attainment of some immigrant and first-generation students of Mexican descent. Using autobiographies, student interviews, and family interviews as data sources, this article…

Taking a multiperspective approach, seven Latina students, two student services personnel, and one mental health service provider are interviewed to gain different stakeholder perspectives regarding Latina first-generation college educational and coping experiences. Familial involvement and connections with family, peers, and university personnel…

This study explored perceptions of Latino paraprofessionals 10 years after completion of a program that provided financial, academic, and social support to help them complete their bachelor's degrees and teaching credentials. Findings indicated that they valued education for themselves and their children; they believed they were important role…

Migrant farmworker students have been underrepresented in research studies. Many scholars have written about Latinos and immigrants in higher education (Becerra, 2010; Mendiola, Watt, & Huerta, 2010; Nevarez, 2001) but little literature relates to how farmworker students are able to enter into higher education. Using community cultural wealth…

First-generation Latino college students may be characterized as underprepared for college. Research points to low performance on placement tests. However, students may not perceive themselves as academically underprepared for college. This study explored first-generation Latino students' perceptions of their academic preparedness. Seven students…

This study examines the psychological and subjective experiences of Latina/o community college students. The impact of these experiences on their persistence toward achieving their education goals is also examined. Interviews with 17 community college students yielded 8 themes: overcoming personal and social challenges, maturation, self-discovery…

This qualitative study investigates the postsecondary progress of 42 Mexican American students who participated in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) in high school and are now attending a Hispanic-serving institution in South Texas. Findings from student surveys, high school and university transcripts, and small group interviews…

Eleven Latina/o college students were interviewed to provide insight into what kind of coping responses they used to overcome challenges and when such responses were employed. The following responses emerged: positive reframing, acceptance, self-talk, maintaining focus on final goals, using low expectations as motivation, self-reflection, taking…