“The Least I Could Do is Get That Four-Year Degree That They Sacrificed so Much for” Undocumented Latina/o Families and the College Navigation Process

Courtney L. Luedke and Daniel Corral

The Journal of Higher Education, 2024, vol. 95, issue 2, 149-171

Abstract: Undocumented students face significant barriers in accessing postsecondary education. Previous research has focused on how individuals and schools impacted their experiences of enrolling in college. This critical qualitative study of testimonios with 15 undocumented Latina/o students examines how their families shaped and supported their college navigation process. Using a funds of knowledge framework, we find that parents and siblings shaped undocumented students’ college choices through dichos, or culturally situated advice. Once students attended college, many expressed a desire to give back to their parents and inspire other family members to pursue college. Students also articulated the utility of their degree as an avenue to give back to their local communities. We discuss the need for institutions to honor the collectivist orientation of Latina/o/x students and their families through recruitment and engagement efforts with these students.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2023.2171199

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