Factors of Achievement for Latinx Students: Navigating Successful Pathways at Selective Colleges and Universities

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

As the largest minority group in the US, Latino achievement is paramount to the prosperity of the nation as a whole. While historically, research has focused on a deficit view of Latinos in schools, this symposium offers asset-based research into three specific groups of Latinos at elite US colleges and universities: second-generation students, male students, and undocumented students. In all three studies, factors contributing to the positive motivation and achievement of the participants is highlighted, providing an understanding especially of the role of connectedness to family and culture in supporting students’ achievement across the educational pipeline. Specific implications for research, policy, and practice are highlighted.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Division G - Section 2: Differences and Intersectionalities

Chair

• Susan J. Paik, Claremont Graduate University

Papers

• Developing a Framework for High Achievement of Latino Second-Generation Students at Elite Colleges - Stacy Kula, Azusa Pacific University

• Not Only Surviving, but Thriving: High-Achieving Latino Undergraduate Males at Selective Universities - David Perez, Syracuse University; Victor B. Sáenz, University of Texas at Austin; Jorge Burmicky, Howard University

• Examining the Contributors of Success Among High-Achieving Undocumented Latinx Students in Elite Private Colleges - Gloria Itzel Montiel, Claremont Graduate University

Discussant

• Carl Cohn, Claremont Graduate University