The Experiences of African American Parents With the College Choice Process

• In Event: 32.071 - Perspectives on the Role of Parent Involvement in Black Education

Abstract

Although a significant body of research clearly identifies African American parents as one of the strongest influences in the student college choice process, researchers know little information about the interactions between African American students and parents and what African American parents value in institutions of higher education. While African American parental behaviors resonate with the literature on parent influence and involvement, their understandings also reflect their racialized experiences and identities as African Americans in the U.S. This paper sheds light on African American parents’ efforts to navigate the college choice process with their children, and it contributes to a relatively small body of knowledge focused on culturally constructed African American parental influence and school engagement.

Authors

• Thandeka K. Chapman, University of California - San Diego

• Frances Contreras, University of California - San Diego