Abstract

This research was a qualitative program evaluation of students' perceptions of Latinos in Action (LIA), a peer-mentoring program that seeks to improve high school Latino graduation rates and college admittance. The study was conducted with college students who participated in the program in high school. LIA graduates were interviewed to determine what major factors influenced and supported them in their academic decisions. Additional data included an interview with the program director, results from the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE), and a video of one of the interviewees. The researcher explored students' experiences in the LIA program with the goal of determining how the program impacted their goals to graduate from high school and attend college. While all of the students planned to attend college before participation in the program, they did not know how they would be able to get there. LIA provided the motivational support and the direction to help students get to college. In addition, all of the students mentioned parent support as a major influence. Other influences included positive peer support, a supportive high school teacher, school involvement, and being a role model for younger students.

Degree

EdS

College and Department

David O. McKay School of Education; Counseling Psychology and Special Education

Rights

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