The U.S. Latino population has surpassed 62 million and is projected to represent close to 29% of the entire U. S. population by 2060. Despite being the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, Latinos hold the fewest college degrees compared to their peers. Current research illustrates that to address the lag in rates of degree…

This study investigated the perceptions of student success of campus leaders at one Borderlands Hispanic-Serving Institution. The study incorporated 4 interviews, 9 observations, analysis of 23 documents as well as additional research to answer the research questions. The three themes emerged from the study were: (1) encouraging and empowering…

For decades Latinas have been mobilizing their communities to call out and address the injustices they have encountered as women and as students of color (Garcia & Marquez, 2011). Latinas are becoming the fastest-growing minority group in California, and projections indicate this trend is expected to continue (American Association of…

The Latinx population in the United States has drastically increased over the last twenty years. During the same period, the number of first-generation Latinx students enrolling in higher education post-recession has also increased by as much as 1.5 million students. The expansion of the Latinx student population in Oregon has mirrored the…

Improving community college transfer pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is an urgent educational equity issue in the United States. While there is abundant literature documenting the challenges community college transfer students face in their pursuit of a STEM bachelor's degree, there is limited research on the…

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) educate more Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students than predominantly White Serving Institutions, yet their leadership lacks representation, especially of Black women leaders. This study explores the experiences of Black women leaders at HSIs. Moving beyond a deficit model, exploring how these leaders leverage…

Latine persons involved in migrant farmwork are more likely to face challenges to higher education access and achievement (Araujo, 2011; Willison & Jang, 2009). The demands of migrant farmwork can create challenges for children in migrant farmworking families that pose obstacles to higher education success (Green, 2003; Lopez et al., 2001;…

This study presents a comparative analysis to measure the effect of a special program designed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among Hispanic students at a Hispanic Serving Institution in Texas. In this study, it was hypothesized that the special program would deliver positive academic effects for the students…

The problem addressed was the misalignment between Hispanic-serving institution's (HSIs) strategic plans and moving toward servingness. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry study was to explore the experiences, perceptions, and stories of higher education leaders participating in developing a strategic plan that aligned with moving…

This study examines the financial aid literacy of Latino students at an institution of higher education in the United States. Beginning with a review of the current literature on the topic and past studies. Utilizing the theoretical framework of Marcia Magolda-Baxter's (2009) theory of self-authorship along with the conceptual frameworks of…

There is a need to fully understand why Hispanic students are not as successful as other cohorts of students are when completing college. In past research, the focus has been on persistence and retention, but understanding the need for connection and feelings of campus immersion have been absent. The research questions investigated the barriers…

The overarching theme of this research was to explore different aspects of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education experience across cultures and contexts in two engineering education communities, higher education and K-12. This dissertation offers new perspectives and resources to the engineering education community and…

The California State University's Graduation Initiative 2025 has strengthened and renewed campuses' commitment toward supporting students on their educational journey to ensure they meet their ultimate goal of graduation. Of equal importance is the elimination of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic equity gaps in graduation completion, especially for…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide a detailed accounting of the experiences of Latino students who persist in higher education. The supports and barriers they encountered, as well as their recommendations for educational stakeholders looking to effect persistence were examined. The grand tour question guiding this research was:…

Higher education institutions' organizational identities, cultures, and praxis have neglected to honor the values, culture, and knowledge assets of Latinx communities, making it difficult to gain educational justice and equity, which could be attained through Latinx-centered models of higher education. The Latinx higher education experience needs…