Undocumented Mexican Students and TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship: Their Culture and Academic Success

• In Event: Latinx College Student Success

Abstract

This study examines ways Mexican, undocumented students receiving TheDream.US Scholarship succeed. A survey and individual interviews were used to collect data. A thematic approach identified themes from literature and individual responses to better understand student academic success. Hispanic academic achievement levels in the U.S. lag behind most other races (Castellanos & Gloria, 2007); and, being undocumented blocks students from funding and access to schools (Zong et al, 2017). How do the individuals overcome the obstacles they face? Participants report support of their families throughout their lives regarding education, and the monetary support of the scholarship, are the two biggest factors contributing to success. They relay being undocumented, their Mexican culture, and having support systems were other factors in their success.

Author

• William Bisese, Central Connecticut State University