Unaccompanied but Not Unsupported: Central American-origin Adolescents’ Experiences of Schooling and Coping in the U.S.

• In Event: Promoting Trauma-Informed Education and Youth Well-Being

Abstract

Adolescents in the U.S. from migrant backgrounds have a broad range of academic experiences. The experiences of recently-arrived, unaccompanied Central American adolescents are particularly distinct. Despite their growing numbers in U.S. schools, few studies have examined their academic experiences. This mixed-methods case study explored how the migration-related stressors of eight Central American-origin young women impacted their social-emotional development and educational experiences during adolescence. It also identified factors that supported their wellbeing and academic persistence. Findings indicate that participants experienced multiple migration-related adversities appraised as distressing. They most often coped by seeking support from others. In the absence of friends and family, consistent and meaningful school-based support played a crucial role in helping them graduate from high school and pursue college.

Author

• Jessica Trejos, City University of New York