Unlocking the Educational Gateways: The Role of Noncredit Institutions in the Lives of Immigrant Students

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Creating Pathways to Support Underrepresented Students

Abstract

Noncredit institutions offer an alternative educational platform for individuals who want to build skills, acquire English language, or build their capital by completing a high school diploma or certificates in Career Technical Education. The purpose of this study was to examine the immigrant population served at a noncredit institution and determine whether the noncredit institution served as a viable option for immigrant students. Results showed that the noncredit institution served 2.5 times more immigrant students than those at the local colleges within the district and the state. A majority of the students reported their primary education goal was to improve their basic skills in English, reading or mathematics, which was evident in their course enrollments in English preparatory courses.

Authors

• Harpreet Uppal, North Orange Continuing Education

• Dulcemonica Delgadillo, North Orange School of Continuing Education

• Jason Makabali

• Tina Maria King, California State University - Fullerton