Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Lim, Caroline

Abstract

Background: Despite their potential, Latinas are often underrepresented in higher education, facing unique challenges and barriers. Objective: The study will investigate the role of social capital in the college enrollment decision of Latina adult learners. Methods: A convergent mixed-method approach will be used to examine how social networks and access to resources impact their choice to pursue higher education. To determine how social capital links to the possibility of enrolling in college, this study proposal will combine quantitative data from the Bridging Social Capital Questionnaire (BSCQ) with qualitative information from in-depth interviews. The interviews can highlight other elements that could help or impede this populations college enrollment, such as mentorship, community resources, and family responsibilities. Conclusion: The importance of the study lies in its ability to undercover key factors, such as family support, community resources, and mentorship, which influence educational pathways for Latina adult learners. The findings will have practical implications for social work, informing strategies to enhance support systems, promote mentorship, and address barriers to college enrollment. Ultimately, the research will contribute to developing more inclusive practices and policies aimed at empowering Latina learners in higher education.

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