An Exploration of the Experience of College for Multibarriered Mature Students

• In Event: Historically Marginalized Racial and Ethnic Groups' Experiences in College Access and Enrollment

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of multi-barriered mature students in college, specifically minoritized mature women who have been out of school for at least 10 years, are financially struggling from having been recently laid off, and are receiving government funding to attend a college program which has positive job prospects. Through a series of in-depth interviews with 12 students, using a life history methodology, and informed by the intersectionality and capabilities approach frameworks, this study investigates how mature students embodying various marginalities experience college and how they understand the difficulties they encounter. Two sub-groups of participants are identified, with varying needs, highlighting the urgency to move away from the one-size-fits-all model of supporting these students.

Author

• Grace Ryu, University of Toronto