Native Hawaiian Student Perceptions of College Readiness

• In Event: 15.040 - Pushing Back Against the Post-Truth Paradigm: The Transformative Power of Research in Higher Education

Abstract

There are many efforts to bolster college-going, especially for minority students. While mainstream research dominates the perspectives that inform development of initiatives aimed at increasing college-going, it is important that student voices and experiences guide these programs. The purpose of this study is to amplify Native Hawaiian voices to gain a better understanding of Native Hawaiian high school students’ perceptions of college-readiness and college-going. This study used semi-structured questions in 10 focus groups with 68 participants. Grounded theory analysis of focus group transcriptions revealed several themes of college-readiness and college-going challenges for these students. Students fight negative perceptions of success and education of their communities to work towards personal educational goals despite the many challenges facing them.

Author

• Umi Jensen, University of Hawaii - Manoa