Understanding How Latino Families Influence and Support College Choice

• 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

This study uses a fund of knowledge framework to examine how families act as critical determinants of college choice and enrollment, especially as it relates to theoretical and applied issues with college choice and access. Latina/o students in this study were admitted to a four-year institution but chose to enroll at a community college. Findings suggest that for this group of Latina/os, families provided substantial support in the home and during college. The pathway to college, however, was fraught with inequitable opportunities for college going information, as well as a lack of commitment by institutions to engage with Spanish-speaking families.

Author

• Catherine Prieto Olivarez, Dallas County Community College District