Facilitating the transition for Latino parents along with their daughters in pursure of a higher education

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 47-59)There has been a significant increase in the Latina college going rates throughout the last couple of years, yet research has shown that Latinas have found themselves entering community colleges at larger rates than any other area of higher education. When Latinas are compared to their white counterparts pursuing a higher education at a 4 year institution Latinas are significantly underrepresented. The literature on Latina college aspirations are strongly connected and affected by family support and knowledge. As the Latino population continue to grow, it becomes vital to indentify the factors that can aid the increase of Latina college going rates, specifically to 4 year institutions. Considering the impact that family has on Latina aspirations and higher education attainment, the lack of knowledge that Latino parents hold about the U.S. educational system, process and the absence of spaces that would allow parents to share their feelings all need to be addressed. The purpose of this graduate project is to develop a set of workshops leading to a stemming support group intended for Latino parents of 11th and 12th grade Latina students. The workshops will present factual information about the higher education structure and process, but will mainly concentrate on initiating a discussion with the parents about issues not typically addressed by the school. Topics such as culture and acculturation will lead the discussions surrounded around multiple activities. The goal is to equip parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a conversation with their daughters by addressing the critical issues in a safe space as well as providing continual support