How Congregational Participation Shapes the College Outcomes of Latino Youth

• In Event: Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Latinx Student Outcomes, and STEM Careers

Abstract

Although increased religious participation is generally associated with better educational outcomes, affiliation with conservative Protestant and Pentecostal groups is sometimes associated with lower educational attainment. However, few studies have explored whether these relationships persist among Latinos. This gap is important because Latinos have high levels of religious adherence and low levels of educational attainment compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Using three case studies of predominantly Latino congregations in Houston (Pentecostal, evangelical and Catholic), this study further explores whether and how contextual religious dynamics (e.g., clergy messages) shape the perceptions and college decision-making of Latino youth. Ultimately, this study explores an under-examined dimension in the education literature that could enable or constrain higher education attainment among Latino youth.

Author

• Esmeralda Sanchez Salazar, Rice University