Community College Pathways of Low Income Latinas and Latinos

RM 217

Compared to other racial groups, Latinos encounter many obstacles when it comes to educational attainment. Statistics show that within the Latino community, few are able to prosper in transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. Without the proper guidance, low-income Latino students will continue to leave college without obtaining a degree, thus remain in poverty. Therefore, in order to improve transfer rates, it is important that barriers within community colleges are explored. Data was obtained through open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Twenty Latino students attending a California State Community College were interviewed about why they chose to attend community college, what the overall experience has been like, and how prepared they are to transfer to a University of California or California State University. Data indicates that students’ outcomes are related to access, or lack of access, to counselors. Also, basic skills math courses have both positive and negative contributions towards students’ college education. Finally, students who participate in programs feel well prepared to transfer to a four-year university, as opposed to students who do not participate in programs. In order to improve transfer rates, the education system needs to improve college advising by creating mandatory meetings and making sure counselors advise students efficiently. In addition, the passing rate for basic skills courses needs to improve, and stronger outreach to help students get involved in school programs needs to be implemented. Such programs should help enhance student’s understanding of the graduation and transfer process.