Exploring the Experiences of Student Fathers of Color at California Community Colleges

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Two
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT033 (Thursday)

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of student Fathers of Color at California Community Colleges, emphasizing how policies, practices, and institutional culture validate or invalidate educational journeys. Guided by Critical Race Theory and Validation Theory, this study uses a narrative inquiry approach and centers participant voices through a Testimonios approach. The primary research questions guiding the study include exploring what challenges that student fathers of color face in navigating community college and how do they overcome them, how student fathers of color experience validation and invalidation within California community colleges, and how student fathers of color describe the role of peer support, mentors, and campus programs in their educational journey.

Author

• Ana Fernandez, El Camino College