College Outreach Educators Supporting First-Generation College-Going and Racial/Ethnic Minoritized Students in College Deserts

• In Event: College Access and Geography

Abstract

This study examined the role of college outreach professionals in college deserts in promoting college opportunities for first-generation college-going and racial/ethnic minoritized students in Nevada. Much of the literature on college deserts has focused on examining the structural geographical inequities in college access and choice using spatial and/or quantitative methods. This study extends this work by qualitatively examining the role of educators in college deserts in promoting college opportunities for first-generation college-going and racial/ethnic minoritized students. Through interviews with college outreach professionals working in college deserts, we present two of the key themes: perceptions & realities, and strategies to support students.

Authors

• Angelica Bradley, University of Nevada - Reno

• Cynthia M. Alcantar, Loyola Marymount University

• Yuliana Chavez Camarena, Truckee Meadows Community College

• Aubrie Bates, University of Nevada - Reno

• Hadia Kalsoom, University of Nevada - Reno