"Education Is First": Latina/o Students Share Their Parents' College Expectations and Perceptions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

• In Event: 56.081 - Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 56.081-9 - Lens of Accessibility: Stories From Marginalized Communities

Abstract

This qualitative, phenomenological study investigated the college choice process of Latina/o students enrolled in two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Texas. The current study uniquely examines Latina/o parents’ words of advice (consejos) on higher education and perceptions of HBCUs. Through two one-on-one, semi-structured interviews, 17 Latina/o participants shared their college going experiences. Using familismo as the guiding theoretical framework, the findings suggest that parents highly valued college and encouraged participants to pursue a college degree. Upon matriculation in an HBCU, however, participants perceived varying levels of parental support. While some participants’ parents were enthused about their child’s enrollment in higher education, others were skeptical of the value and quality of an HBCU. Recommendations for practice are offered.

Authors

• Taryn Ozuna Allen, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Estee Hernández, Florida State University

• Robert Terry Palmer, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Dina C. Maramba, Claremont Graduate University