Understanding the Latina/o College Student Journey at a Hispanic-Serving Institution: An Asset-Based Paradigm

• In Event: Hispanic Cultural Issues: Language, Immigration, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Abstract

Using an asset-based paradigm, this research study utilized three theoretical frameworks (Validation Theory, Student Engagement Theory, and Community Cultural Wealth) to guide the researchers in better understanding Latino/a college student experiences attending a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). These theoretical frameworks were utilized to develop this qualitative study’s research questions and analyze the data. Categorized as academic, social and cultural, these experiences offer a glimpse of the tensions that exist in the lives of these Latino/a students and how they overcome obstacles to college access and completion.

Authors

• Vijay Kanagala, The University of Vermont

• Laura I. Rendon, The University of Texas - San Antonio