Encuentro: Intersectionality and Graduate Education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions

• In Event: Perspectives on the Educational Experiences of Racially Minoritized Students

Abstract

Increasingly, Latinxs are pursuing graduate education at Hispanic Serving Institutions, yet little is known about their experiences and academic outcomes. This mixed-methods study at a large comprehensive Hispanic Serving Institution examines the Encuentro Fellowship program which serves low-income, Latinx students. Drawing on intersectionality, secondary data analysis reveals the Fellowship program had high levels of academic success. Qualitative data points to the relevance of social class; gender and home culture; and immigration status and sensibilities, as potential intersectional indicators towards understanding Latinx graduate student success. Encuentro may provide a model for centering the lived-realities of Latinx graduate students to create equity-based practices and foster student success. Recommendations and implications for practice are discussed.

Authors

• Eugene Fujimoto, California State University - Fullerton

• Maria Veronica Oropeza Fujimoto, California State University - Los Angeles