Date of Award

Spring 2016

Degree Type

Capstone - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Advisor

Susan Marine

Abstract

Latino college students are the fastest growing population in the United States, yet their educational attainment falls significantly behind compared to Asians, Whites, and Blacks (Santiago & Soliz, 2012). This study sought out to identify best practices to recruit and retain Latino students at US four year colleges and universities. Interviews with seven knowledgeable stakeholders at non-Hispanic Serving Institutions across the country were conducted. Participants were asked about specific programming and strategies used at their institutions to meet the needs of the Latino population. The findings suggested that this special population needs additional financial, cultural and academic support in order to succeed and persist in higher education. Specific strategies that were highlighted by participants include the need to collaborate with a variety of offices across campus, the need to see Latino/Hispanic identities reflected within the faculty and staff, and the need for bilingual marketing tools. Recommendations for institutions looking to increase their Latino population include the need for more faculty and staff that identify as Latino, peer mentoring programs, and dedicated spaces to explore their intersecting identities.

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