Discusses demographic and educational trends posing challenges to the nation's colleges. Offers a 10-point action plan to increase the participation, retention, and academic progress of Hispanic community college students and other at-risk students. (DMM)

At each education juncture, a significant number of Hispanic students drop out. Efforts must focus on improving rates of high school graduation, community college transfer, and student retention. Intervention strategies include dropout prevention, financial aid and college program, and exposure to fields in which they are underrepresented. (MLW)

Reviews recent research on retention and achievement among Hispanic community college students, focusing on influences on persistence, transfer rates, and financial aid. Identifies needs for additional research, curricular reforms, and retention programs stressing counseling and advisement to promote the development of clear, concrete and…

This study examined minority and nontraditional college students and how new approaches to learning and student development may validate culturally diverse students and thus improve their achievement. The project interviewed 132 first-year students at four different types of institutional settings. Students were selected from diverse cultural and…

This paper examines major transfer education issues and proposes a comprehensive strategy for examining and improving transfer education. The first section explores ten major issues: (1) access to higher education for minorities and low socioeconomic status (SES) whites continues to be a problem; (2) over 50% of all entering community college…

Examines factors at the pre-college and community college level that influence the success of minority students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Outlines recommendations for improving minority high school graduation rates and community college retention and transfer rates. (FMW)

This paper examines the educational situation of minority and poor students within the nation's K-12 and higher educational system. It stresses that poor and minority children are the most underserved in America, that they still attend segregated and under-funded schools, that their drop out rate continues to be high, and that those who do manage…

The focus of this paper is on issues and concepts in the retention and recruitment of Hispanic students in post-secondary education. First, national post-secondary enrollment declines are projected and the implications of these declines are discussed for admissions and recruitment personnel. Next, the report considers Hispanic enrollments in…

In general, students attending two-year colleges are nontraditional students; i.e., first-generation, studying part-time, employed while attending college, from lower socio-economic status (SES) levels, or having poor high school achievement records. Attrition rates for first-semester two-year college students have been estimated at over 67%, with…

This study assessed how in- and out-of-class experiences influenced diverse students' learning and development in college. The study took place at two community colleges, one with a predominant minority group of Hispanics, the other with a large African American minority group. There researchers conducted focus groups with 3-6 students per group…

A study of nearly 100 freshman community college students' perceptions of their educational experiences and motivations through focus group interviews found that, despite high dropout rates, community college students can become successful students. The study concluded that students will be more likely to persist if institutions help them to be…

In response to concerns about the loss of effectiveness of the community college transfer function, this paper examines the steady decline in rates of minority student transfer from two- to four-year colleges and offers policy recommendations for facilitating transfer and baccalaureate degree attainment. Initial sections review data showing the…