Coloring the College Pipeline: Students of Color and the Role of Community Cultural Wealth in College Access and Choice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 116
  In Roundtable Session: Leadership, Identity, and Culture

Abstract

This paper presents findings from two larger studies to propose an approach that colors outside the standard college pipeline framework and uses a more culturally responsive theory—community cultural wealth—to consider the complex and both auspicious ways Students of Color navigate their college pathways. Students of color identified policies and contextual factors such as geographic location and school level inequities that obstructed their college pathways. However, Students of Color used their cultural knowledge and assets to counter structural challenges in school. This paper provides educators with examples of ways they can build upon the existing assets of Students of Color and implement a more culturally responsive approach to helping students meet college aspirations.

Authors

• Anjale DeVawn Welton, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Melissa Ann Martinez, Texas State University-San Marcos