Ascending Toward New Heights: How One Program Builds Navigational Capital for Latinx Community College Students

• In Event: 35.057 - Latinx College Students: Access, Transition, and Skill Development

Abstract

The Texas-based Ascender program began in 2012 to address the challenges of increasing the retention and transfer rates of community colleges, especially Latinx students in developmental education. This study examines the experiences of students who participated in this program and how the program fostered their navigational capital in their community college campuses and in the transfer process. Results show that through a rich first-year experience, students learn how to better navigate the complex systems of financial aid and transfer policies while also building their confidence as successful college students. The full paper will discuss how the various practices of the Ascender policy can inform research, policy, and practice across student demographics and institutions.

Authors

• Erin Doran, Iowa State University

• Paul S Hengesteg, Iowa State University