This research used narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of neurodivergent students on the autism spectrum during transition and enrollment into community college. Furthermore, the research examined the development of identity for this population during this time. Students are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum at increasing rates, and…

The growing number of U.S. engineering jobs signifies a need for more students to pursue engineering degrees. To increase access to engineering education, in 2015, Texas A&M University established Engineering Academies (EA) in cooperation with selected community colleges. The problem addressed in this study was a lack of knowledge about why…

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational-predictive study is to investigate if and to what extent Teaching, Social, and Cognitive Presence combined and individually in an online General Chemistry for Science Majors class predict Intent to Persist in STEM for Hispanic community college students in California. The sample size was 148 Hispanic…

This qualitative case study was completed at a rural medium-sized Texas community college and sought to understand how advisors and program coordinators made sense of the 60X30TX policy as it was implemented at their institution. The theoretical framework included community college, the Completion Agenda, structure-agency, and sensemaking. Each…

This three-article dissertation examined the implementation and impact of corequisite mathematics courses at four North Carolina community colleges located in urban areas. The first article was a multiple case study that examined student and instructor experiences to determine the characteristics of corequisite courses that students and…

California Community College campuses are struggling to enroll Latinx students. As identified through the literature, most Latinx students navigate the college enrollment process with little to no guidance and seek support in navigating it. Using Yosso's (2005) community cultural wealth framework, I investigate how Rose Grace College's Familias…

The purpose of this quantitative correlative study was to determine what, if any, statistically significant correlations exist between undergraduate STEM students' perception of transactional distance and their level of engagement in an online learning environment at two-year community colleges. The theoretical foundations for the study included…

This action study investigated the experiences of current female students, recent female graduates, and female dropouts of a rural community college in Appalachian Ohio to determine what factors led to successful college completion. Although female enrollment exceeds male enrollment, females currently and consistently rank below their male…

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate community college student perceptions of academic advising for 12 first-time first-generation (FTFG) General Studies students attending a rural southeastern community college. The phenomenological research approach was utilized to better understand participant experiences by…

The problem to be addressed in this quantitative study was the education system's failure to produce individuals with the necessary skills to fulfill high-wage, high-demand technical positions in the market. The study examined whether career counseling self-efficacy levels varied across different experiences, such as educational background, years…

Community colleges serve as critical access points to higher education for Black students. However, current outcomes suggest that Black students are not being properly served in America's community colleges. Although well-meaning institutional leaders often create policies and programs aimed at improving success rates for students from…

This dissertation explores the math identity development of Black and Latinx students who are taking developmental math classes in a community college setting. The study delves deep into the incorporation of inclusive pedagogical practices in the classroom. Placing emphasis on the successes of students, the research was based on Martin's (2000)…

Using narrative interviews, this study explored the experiences of belonging among eight first-generation college students (FGCS) who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). By applying Strayhorn's Belonging and Crenshaw's Intersectionality Framework, this study sheds light on the challenges and benefits BIPOC FGCS encounter as…

This study investigates student perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI). The study analyzed four independent variables -- age, gender, school, and employment -- to predict students' level of readiness to adopt AI within an educational setting. Using an instrument with two constructs, data was collected from a diverse, multicultural group of…

This qualitative research study explores the experiences of four Latina community college students through focused group discussions, incorporating artifacts and vision galleries to unveil their diverse roles. Shifting perspectives, the research questions inform the design of educational interventions addressing psychological distress, mental…