The Effects of Retention Programs on Latino Undergraduate Students in Higher Education: A TRIO Student Support Services Program Examined
The TRIO program was established by the U.S. federal government in 1964 to ensure equal educational opportunities among all students in the United States. Today, TRIO consists of a series of programs developed to provide support to low-income college students throughout America. The literature identifies retention programs to have a positive impact on student success, however there has been limited research evaluating the effectiveness of specific retention programs. This study will examine the effects of retention programs on Latino undergraduate students in higher education through an analysis of a TRIO student support services program at a four-year research-type I institution. Student Academic Advancement Services (SAAS), a TRIO student support services program was examined. Data for cumulative grade point average (GPA), number of units completed, and degree attainment was collected for first generation and low-income Latino undergraduate students that utilized SAAS services and first generation, low-income Latino undergraduate students that did not utilize SAAS services. Analysis of the data demonstrated first generation and low-income Latino undergraduates who utilized SAAS services had higher GPAs, more units earned and higher rates of degree attainment than first generation and low-income Latino undergraduates who did not utilize SAAS services. The results of this study indicate the positive impact TRIO programs can have on Latino student success and retention. This study recognizes the importance of the federal TRIO programs in higher education and calls for further research to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these programs to better serve students of color in higher education.
School:
University of California at Irvine
Department:
N/A
Research Advisor:
Laurence Parker
Department of Research Advisor:
Educational Policy Studies
Year of Publication:
2002