This study uses the Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) paradigm to describe the experiences of ten first-generation Latine students who transitioned from high school to a four-year Hispanic- Serving Institution. It enhances our comprehension of these learners' educational journeys by centering their descriptions of challenges faced in the transition…

The influential role of familía remains a crucial aspect to understand Latinxs' success in postsecondary schooling. Rather than relying on a deficit lens, this study employs an asset-based lens to gain insight into the paternal influence that assists Latinas' persistence to degree attainment in engineering. More specifically, this study examines…

Hispanic/Latinx student enrollment in U.S. colleges has increased over the last decade; however, disparities in degree completion still exist. Hispanic/Latinx college students experience a variety of challenges, including cultural stressors, that when compounded with stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, further increase the risk for…

This qualitative study highlights how the use of several interpretative-methods helps to better capture the journey of the participants' transition from low-income, immigrant households to first-generation college students of color at a top-tier research university. I examine a wide range of interpretive practices, from traditional to innovative…

Past research demonstrates that familial and community support can aid the academic success of Latino/a students. However, few studies explore how older siblings influence their younger siblings' education trajectory including primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with Latino/a first-generation college…

Latina students are enrolling in postsecondary education in high numbers, yet their enrollment in engineering fields remains low. Part of the challenge Latina students face is a struggle to develop a strong professional identity as an engineer. Using a phenomenological approach, this study examined the experiences of undergraduate Latina…

Hossler and Gallagher's college choice model is a foundational model for understanding students' college choice experience. Various scholars have critiqued the model for assuming that all students have equitable access to college information and resources. Therefore, building on the literature on Latinx undocumented students college access…

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of first- and second-year migrant undergraduate students and staff in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Arizona State University (ASU). ASU CAMP, which started in 2016, is the first program of its kind at an Arizona public university. Using an ethnographic monitoring approach, a…

In this study, we identify tensions that arise between blackness and Latinidad as AfroLatinx students negotiate identity and belonging on campus. Furthermore, we explore the unique cultural and historical contexts of Latinidad and their connection to what we term "anti-AfroLatinidad" -- beliefs, practices, and behaviors that communicate…

This multiple-case study sought to understand the values of Latina college students from rural communities and how those values impacted their choices concerning higher education. Archival records, artifacts, interviews, and other documents created a holistic view of each individual case. A Chicana feminist framework allowed researchers to examine…

College completion rates among Latina/o undergraduate students represents a crisis in our national educational system. Latina/o students are seeking higher education, but experiencing multiple barriers which inhibit degree completion. This qualitative case study offers an opportunity to explore components of degree completion of Latina/o graduates…

Based on 12 in-depth interviews with Latino college graduates in West Tennessee, this study explores the effects of college experiences and cultural factors on Latino persistence. The study highlights on-campus and off-campus influences important to matriculation of the student toward graduation. Findings highlight how acquiring familial support,…

In the past decade, we have seen a significant growth in Latina/o college enrollment. Rarely is Latino families' engagement in their children's educational aspirations acknowledged for this increase in the rate of Latinas/os attending college. I examined how first-generation Latina/o students reflected on and retold stories of how their families…

This phenomenological research study explored how Latina college students developed their STEM identities, particularly focusing on the influence of "familismo" within the STEM identity development process. The study found that (1) interdependence and attachment from family members supported the STEM journey; (2) family members both in…

This study employed social capital and chain migration theory to understand the development of college aspirations and the college choice process of Latinx dual credit earners enrolled in engineering programs. Through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, participants described the key individuals who inspired their college aspirations and…