Where Agentic and Aspirational Momentum Grows and Slows in Community College Transfer

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Community College Transfer

Abstract

This mixed methods study explores where and how community college students cultivate and lose aspirational and agentic momentum as they navigate transfer at a Midwestern community college. Drawing on Wang’s (2017) momentum model, I analyzed original survey data (n=567) and interviews (n=22) to explore how interactions, policies, and practices throughout the college intersect with students’ transfer aspirations and agency. Findings show that students of color demonstrate high agentic momentum as they often compensate for institutional shortcomings, but they also experience losses in aspirational momentum due to those same issues, like subpar advising. This study elevates the need for efforts that go beyond simply providing transfer access and opportunities toward meaningful support that truly honors and cultivates students’ agency and aspirations.

Author

• Nicole B. Contreras-Garcia, Florida Atlantic University