Transfer as Collective Action: Understanding How Latina/o/x Students and Their Families Make Transfer Decisions
- NISTS Team
- May 29
- 1 min read
In this webinar, Ivan Valdovinos, winner of the NISTS 2024 Research Grant Award, presents highlights from his research project.
Valdovinos' research offers insights for creating family-centered strategies to address transfer equity for Latina/o/x students. Findings suggest that Latina/o/x community college transfer students faced complex transfer decisions shaped by cultural identity, family obligations, systemic barriers, and practical constraints like finances, housing, and transportation. Furthermore, families played a vital role in supporting Latina/o/x pre-transfer students by offering emotional, practical, and knowledge-based assistance rooted in love and resilience.
The study also revealed that while Latina/o/x community college students utilize various formal programs and informal networks to support their transfer journeys, many still faced transitional barriers upon entering four-year institutions, particularly due to unclear communication and limited access to services.
Utilizing platica methodology and familial testimonios, Ivan explored the transfer decision-making processes of Latina/o/x community college students through a family-centered approach. The study involved forty-eight platicas with sixteen Latina/o/x students and thirteen testimonios with their family members.
Given that the California Community College system enrolls over one million Latina/o/x students each year, with only 2% transferring within two years, it is crucial to understand the factors affecting their transfer success. This research highlights the often-underestimated role of families in supporting their students through the transfer process.
Presented by
Ivan Valdovinos (PI)
Director of the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) STEM Exito
San Diego Miramar College
PhD in Education Studies, UC San Diego