Unpacking Community College "Choice": How Information Sources Shape Latinx/e Decisions

• In Event: Understanding Latinx/e Students' Pathways to and Through Higher Education

Abstract

Community college is the most accessible pathway into higher education for Latinx/e students; yet, little is known about the decision-making process of these community college bound students. College “choice” has been broadly studied with traditional, linear models. For many, especially Latinx/es, the path is more complex, and informed by multiple agents. This paper explores how information sources shape Latinx/e community college choice based on student interviews. Our preliminary findings indicate that sources of information and perceived opportunities are predominant factors considered throughout the decision-making process. As the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted Latinx/e postsecondary enrollments, especially in the two-year sector, our findings provide insights on enhancing outreach and recruitment efforts within community colleges.

Authors

• Marcela G. Cuellar, University of California - Davis

• Stephanie Luna-Lopez, University of California - Davis

• Gaby Perez, University of California - Davis