Latin Americans

Fight For Equality in

College Access

Important Things to Consider

There are a lot of different components that play into why there is a widening gap in college enrollment between Latino's and whites. The following are a few underlying themes that have contributed to the widening gap.

Financial Aid

A majority of Latino's have difficulty receiving financial aid for many reasons. Without financial aid, it's almost impossible for working-class Latino families to pay for an expensive higher education. This is also the reason many end up going to community colleges is because of how significantly cheaper they are than four-year higher educations. And well, if you are an undocumented immigrant, you have zero chance of obtaining financial aid. This is because it is impossible to go through the process of it without proper (and legal) financial documents.

The Problem: A widening gap in college enrollment between Latino and white students

The Facts

Latino's are the largest non-white ethnic group in the United States (15.4% of the U.S population) and growing at a faster rate than any other ethnic group in the country
In U.S public schools, Latino's are expected to make up about 25% of all students by 2025 (according to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans)
Only 12.7% of Latino's in the U.S have a baccalaureate degree compared to 30% of whites in the country having one (according to the U.S Census Bureau 2007)
College enrollment of the Latino youth rose 6% from 1980 to 2000. Yet, the college enrollment of the white population rose by twice as much as in this period of time
46% of Latino's in the U.S drop out of high school prior to graduation

Lack of Knowledge

In addition to financial aid, many Latino families have little-to-no idea about some of their options regarding financial aid. In fact, many of them tell their children to not even consider it to be an option. They fall under the perception that it isn't possible for them and as a result, they don't even look into.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Better system of counseling (less students per counselor). This would provide more specialization per student and better facilitate information and opportunities regarding college admissions, financial aid, standardized tests and more.
Instill expectations for teachers that their job is more than just teaching; they are college and career advisers responsible for ensuring their students are progressing along the right path.
Counselors that are employed in areas of high undocumented Latinos/Hispanics need to be more aware of the options available to these kinds of students
More in-depth studies in middle schools to try and better understand the reasons for high school drop-out rates amongst Latinos
Single out and focus on areas of highest-need for better college preparation
Implement a standard transfer curriculum from community colleges to 4-year higher education colleges