Achieving College Success Dreams: A Case Study Examination of Mentoring Relationships Redirecting Latino College Completion

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Campus Climate and Campus Programming

Abstract

Our case study was prompted by persistent statistical data pointing to low college completion rates for Illinois’ Latino college students. As activist participatory researchers, we sought to identify culturally responsive solutions working to increase Latino college completion rates. Between 2013-2016, we examined a Student Success Scholarship (SSS) program designed to promote positive outcomes through its model of providing financial assistance, networks of information for navigating college systems both on and off campus, and natural mentoring relationships (NMRs). We studied our focus groups’ experiences as SSS recipients during their community college journey. Interweaving our data with authentic student voices, we uncovered the hopes, dreams, aspirations, fears, challenges, and triumphs the students encountered in their quest to achieve their college completion goals.

Authors

• Elena Garcia Ansani, Elena Garcia Ansani, Ed.D.

• Jennifer C. Hernandez, University of Illinois at Chicago