Ganas: A Qualitative Study Examining Mexican Heritage Students’ Motivation to Succeed in Higher Education

• In Event: The Latino Student Journey to Higher Education

Abstract

The increasing numbers of Mexican heritage individuals residing in the U.S. combined with the educational attainment disparity between 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 (n = 115) , student interviews (n = 33), and family interviews (n = 8) as data sources, this article explores one prominent theme that emerged: Students’ desire to honor parental struggle and sacrifice with academic achievement—“Ganas”. The implications of these findings and recommendations for further research are discussed

Authors

• Margarita Bianco, University of Colorado - Denver

• Nate Easley, Denver Public Schools

• Nancy L. Leech, University of Colorado - Denver