Understanding First-Generation Latinx Students' Experiences in a Predominantly White Private Institution: A Grounded Theory Study

<p>Latinx student enrollment in higher education institutions has increased over the years. Despite their increased number of enrollments, there is also an increase of Latinx first-generation students dropping out of higher education. Not only are they not earning a degree, but they are leaving these institutions with debt. This is a concern because students dropping out affects the institution's overall graduation rates. This qualitative study examined factors that contributed to ten first-generation Latinx students’ persistence and success at a predominantly White, private institution. The study used grounded theory methodology and methods to develop an initial exploratory theory. The dissertation study was part of a larger study examining the experiences of first-generation students at a predominantly White private institution in southern California. For the dissertation, the experiences of ten first-generation Latinx students were examined. The study found that the participants developed and transformed through personal growth, critical awareness, and resistance. The transformation and growth that occurred in their academic journey informed the participant's practice that leads to service for other first-generation Latinx students at the institution.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Year

2021

Author dc:creator

• Aparicio, Jacqueline

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kris De Pedro, Ph.D.
• Michael Hass, Ph.D.
• John Hernandez, Ph.D.
• Carlos Lopez, Ph.D.

• Latinx
• Latino
• Latina
• First-Generation
• Persistence
• Resilience
• Higher Education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/education_dissertations/33

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:education_dissertations-1032