An Exploration of Black Student Experiences and Success With/in a College Preparatory Program

• In Event: 51.081 - Sheraton Roundtable Session Nine - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 51.081-5 - Using Critical Frames to Understand College Access and Choice

Abstract

While literature expands on ways to increase access to higher education for marginalized students, less attention is given to students of color, and even less to Black students. Furthermore, literature that does exist often focuses on “deficiencies” Black students possess, instead of their assets and successes in education. This qualitative study uses anti deficit approaches -- funds of knowledge and community cultural wealth -- to understand Black student experiences within a college-preparatory program in order to access college. Four main themes resulted from this study: mentorship; preparation for college; social networks; exchange of knowledge and wealth; and racial identity as salient to college decision-making. Results highlight the funds of knowledge Black students activate in creating their own pathways to higher education institutions.

Author

• Destiny D McLennan, University of California - Los Angeles