Understanding the success factors for Latino males at two community colleges

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2012-08

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Abstract

Latino males have one of the lowest college attainment rates among traditional college-aged students. Using a qualitative method, this study examined the experiences of Latino males at a South Central Texas Community College and a North Texas Community College. The proposed study utilized a qualitative design methodology, and a conceptual framework of Critical Theory as a lens to analyze the collected data. The study included, 1) Latino male student focus groups, 2) one-on-one administrator, faculty and staff interviews, 3) document analysis. The study answered two primary questions focusing on factors that influenced Latino males to attend and persist in community colleges. These firsthand accounts provided useful information for staff and community colleges interested in increasing the number of minority and Latino males in higher education. The study also attempts to advance discussion around the reality of the disappearing of Latino males in higher education. Using critical theory, this proposed research study explored relationships of factors that may involve inequities and power, and as Willis (2007), explains, a desirable aspect of critical research is to help those without power to acquire it. As such, data analysis is at the center of this study to understand factors associated to Latino male attendance and persistence at their community colleges.

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