Evaluating the Primary Factors that Influence the Continuation of Education Post High School Within the Latinx/Hispanic Community in the United States

Ashley Rodriguez

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology

Major: Computer Science

Faculty Research Mentor: Eunice Nkansah

Abstract:

The Hispanic and Latino community has one of the lowest rates of students who continue pursuing further education after high school. Research studies reveal that Hispanics and Latinos have been known to have some of the highest dropout rates (along with other minority groups). However, several factors have been known to contribute to post-high school education among Hispanic and Latino students. Therefore, the current study evaluated the primary factors that influence the continuation of education post-high school within the Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. This study aimed to find key factors that contributed to the continuation of education among Latino and Hispanic students. The study utilized a qualitative approach to explore the perspectives and experiences of three Hispanic and Latino college students through semi-structured interviews. The results of the study revealed three major themes: Familial influences on college decisions, high school college readiness programs, and financial constraints. The study concluded that these factors were significant contributing factors towards Hispanic and Latino college students’ decision to continue education both pre and post high school. The researcher recommends further studies using a mixed method approach to further ascertain and reinforce the findings.

Keywords: Post High School Education, Latinx/Hispanic Community, United States, Factors