Latina/o Based Special Interest Organizations: A Multi-Method Study
This study examined the participation of Latina/o students in Latina/o based special interest organizations and the impact these organizations have on their unique undergraduate experiences, namely issues that contribute to retention. The effects of Latina/o student involvement in ethnic specific organizations is explored through six semi-structured interviews to determine whether involvement contributes to or inhibits the social and academic integration of Latina/o students enrolled in a four-year predominantly White university. A secondary analysis of Latina/o students who were part of the inaugural and second cohorts of the Gates Millennium Scholars was also incorporated in the study. Secondary analysis suggested that involvement in cultural activities increases community engagement, educational aspirations, and the amount of tutoring a student receives. Interviews findings expressed student's reasons for joining Latina/o based organizations and the benefits of membership such as an increased sense of belonging and social support.
School:
University of California at Irvine
Department:
Sociology and Chicano Latino Studies
Research Advisor:
William Trent
Department of Research Advisor:
Educational Policy Studies
Year of Publication:
2008