Purpose-Driven Involvement for College Students of Color: "I Had to Prioritize Differently, Schedule Differently"

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Thirteen
  In Roundtable Session: Racialization and Student Experiences (Table 5)

Abstract

Using data from a longitudinal study on a first-year program for college Students of Color, this study examines students’ purposeful engagement in extracurricular activities. Bourdieu’s Social Reproduction Theory was used to understand how students’ existing capital and new forms of capital were acquired and nurtured through their student involvement. In particular, we explored what attracts students to organizational opportunities and what keeps them engaged in these organizations. Findings showed the importance of connections with other minoritized students in dominant spaces, an alignment of student and organizational values, and access to spaces that provided resources and professional development. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Courtney L. Luedke, University of Illinois at Chicago
  Presenting Author

• Crystal Eufemia Garcia, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
  Presenting Author