The family culture of Latino’s is rich in tradition, heritage, and close-knit relationships. Gary M. Stern explores why and how the Latina/o family can sometimes negatively impact the students voyage towards college. One theory Stern shares is that neighborhoods that Latina/o students live in prove to be an obstacle for many. Stern states that Latinos “live in neighborhoods with many fewer college-educated residents than are in African-American areas. Growing up in a neighborhood with so few college-educated people creates problems for students finding the college application process tricky” (Stern, 2009). Stern continues by exploring the influence of neighborhood, by looking at other students living communities in which students are surrounded
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However, not all research found supports the idea of family influence serving in a negative role. In an article by Kristin Calaff the author describes how the traditions of Latino families are deep rooted in support and states that, “Latino parents encourage their students with stories of a successful relative, either real or invented, to help solidify the importance of higher education” (Calaff, 2008). Calaff’s research goes on to explore the impact that families can have on first generation college students in a positive way through verbal encouragement and positive reinforcement. In many cases the parents of first generation Latina/o students show intense determination to provide and encourage for a future and life better then the one they have had (Calaff, 2008). Although the authors present opposing opinions, all of the research shows that family can have a strong impact on student success, good or bad, and that connecting family with information on attainable goals and options on college choice for the student is key in successfully supporting the child pursuing higher …show more content…
Summer bridge programs (SBPs) are increasingly becoming more popular as a strategy to help make this adjustment an easy and meaningful one. Terrell Strayhorn conducted a study that’s purpose was to, “measure the effect of SBP participation on preparation for college in four areas: academic self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and academic and social skills” (Strayhorn, p.152). Survey data from a SBP cohort was analyzed in this study and the results suggested that SBP participation had strong positive effect on both academic performance and academic self-efficacy of the students involved. Strayhorn’s research showed that positive beliefs about one’s academic skills and precollege aptitude also positively predict first-semester grades in college (Strayhorn, 2011). Strayhorn’s research also elaborated on how bridge programs created a community for students from low SES backgrounds, and the importance of finding a community that was tight knit like many of the communities that these students left to come to college. Additionally, the research supports the notion that students from low SES backgrounds often arrive to college underprepared based on a lack of funding from
However, not all research found supports the idea of family influence serving in a negative role. In an article by Kristin Calaff the author describes how the traditions of Latino families are deep rooted in support and states that, “Latino parents encourage their students with stories of a successful relative, either real or invented, to help solidify the importance of higher education” (Calaff, 2008). Calaff’s research goes on to explore the impact that families can have on first generation college students in a positive way through verbal encouragement and positive reinforcement. In many cases the parents of first generation Latina/o students show intense determination to provide and encourage for a future and life better then the one they have had (Calaff, 2008). Although the authors present opposing opinions, all of the research shows that family can have a strong impact on student success, good or bad, and that connecting family with information on attainable goals and options on college choice for the student is key in successfully supporting the child pursuing higher …show more content…
Summer bridge programs (SBPs) are increasingly becoming more popular as a strategy to help make this adjustment an easy and meaningful one. Terrell Strayhorn conducted a study that’s purpose was to, “measure the effect of SBP participation on preparation for college in four areas: academic self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and academic and social skills” (Strayhorn, p.152). Survey data from a SBP cohort was analyzed in this study and the results suggested that SBP participation had strong positive effect on both academic performance and academic self-efficacy of the students involved. Strayhorn’s research showed that positive beliefs about one’s academic skills and precollege aptitude also positively predict first-semester grades in college (Strayhorn, 2011). Strayhorn’s research also elaborated on how bridge programs created a community for students from low SES backgrounds, and the importance of finding a community that was tight knit like many of the communities that these students left to come to college. Additionally, the research supports the notion that students from low SES backgrounds often arrive to college underprepared based on a lack of funding from