Research shows that cultural, socioeconomic, and challenging college admission processes are three themes plaguing Latina students pursing higher education. Latinas are faced with familial obligations, strained income gaps, and limited resources supporting their college application process. The purpose of this study was to determine if enrollment…

Despite a multitude of possible explanations for racial and ethnic group differences in collegiate achievement, scholars have continued to call for new research and theories to better explain this ongoing phenomenon. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the relationship between grit, racialized campus experiences, and college…

This study employs descriptive qualitative analysis to explore the experiences of eight Mexican American veterans utilizing Veterans Affairs education benefits to pursue baccalaureate degrees. Participants were recruited in Southern California at two California Community Colleges and three California State Universities. The findings suggest that…

Staff and faculty have influential roles in the success of students transferring from associate's- to bachelor's-degree programs (vertical transfer students). Our survey compared the reported views on transfer of 607 staff and faculty with transfer responsibilities in associate's or bachelor's programs at 19 City University of New York colleges.…

This dissertation examined the motivation and source of support for first-generation Latina community college students who aspire to transfer to a four-year institution. The study is informed by Yosso's Community Cultural Wealth model, to explore how participants navigate their school environment and the vertical transfer process through an…

In 2022-2023, The RP Group surveyed over 7,000 African American/Black students across the California Community Colleges (CCC) system to further explore their transfer experiences. This report offers a selection of highlights from this comprehensive, statewide survey and specifically elevates findings related to the four core student experiences:…

Using data from a south-west alliance between two-year colleges and four-year universities, this study provides insight into the needed resources at partner institutions to promote the successful transfer and retention for minoritized students in STEM. The study includes responses from over 500 students who were engaged in alliance-related…

As open-access institutions serving diverse student populations, community colleges are perfect settings for broadening participation in computing efforts in higher education. The very nature of open access, however, places students with a wide variety of previous experience in the same introductory computer science classroom, intimidating the…

Community colleges and universities increasingly offer entrepreneurial training to reach a larger portion of underrepresented students. This paper offers insights into what techniques mentors should employ to increase entrepreneurial self-efficacy among their mentees, particularly for diverse community college students. Using a five-week, social…

Community colleges have long served a diverse population of students. Prior research shows that Black males have the lowest graduation rate compared to men of other races and even females of the same race. This qualitative study aimed to research the effects of sense of belonging on Black male retention at one community college in the Northeast…

The problem addressed through this study is the low graduation rate of military-connected students who received benefits from military funding programs (FMCSs) at a community college in the northeastern United States (CCNE). Increasing the graduation rate will prepare more FMCSs for gainful employment and their transition into civilian life. The…

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships of academic advising, and grit's impact on retention among students of color in the community college. Additionally, the study examined differences in the length of time spent receiving academic advising and level of grit with the retention in students of color. A total of 32 community…

Single parents are enrolling in postsecondary institutions at an increasing rate; however, their graduation rate remains low. Single-parent, community college students who drop out tend to do so due to the various barriers they encounter. Research concerning single parents and their viewpoints of community colleges' student services is lacking.…

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to add the voices and counter-stories of five Black women who attend community colleges to the discourse and literature concerning their co-curricular involvement experiences and persistence. I used critical race theory (CRT) as the theoretical framework to understand how involvement in…

This dissertation examined the relationship between participation in an academic coaching program and retention for community college students enrolled in developmental education courses. With low retention and completion rates for students beginning in developmental courses, support programs to improve student success are needed. This…