Community College Transfer Student Access to Nationally Competitive Awards

• In Event: Division D Graduate Student in Progress Research Gala

Abstract

Employing Museus’ (2014) Culturally Engaging Campus Environment framework, this mixed-method exploratory study sought to ascertain what transfer students from community colleges (TSCC) knew about nationally competitive awards (NCAs) and to determine factors that motivate them to apply. NCAs refer to a broad category of competitive fellowships available to college students. TSCC make up approximately 19% of enrollment at four-year institutions, yet research has shown that they feel unsupported during and after the transfer process (Schmertz, & Carney, 2013). Beginning with phenomenological interviews, responses informed the development of a survey which was then disseminated to community college students.

Author

• Cassidy Alvarado, Loyola Marymount University