Increasing student retention is one of the greatest challenges faced by community colleges. First-year community college students face a complex set of issues in grappling with their new academic roles and identities. Therefore, there is a need for effective retention efforts that support students during this time of transition. First-Year…

With the quick rise of social media's popularity among the young, colleges and universities have found ways to use social media to recruit prospective students, engage current students, and connect with former ones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of social media use for varied purposes among a student population often…

Throughout history, higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United States (U.S.) have espoused the goal of developing an educated citizenry with the capacity to engage across difference and contribute to solving the major issues in society (Association of American Colleges & Universities [AACU], 2019; Kezar, 2004). Although significant…

This study examined the effect on pass rates from one community college after removing developmental English prerequisites on non-English credit-bearing courses in Fall 2020. This mixed methods quasi-experimental research evaluated whether a developmental English prerequisite is necessary for completion of credit-bearing courses and identified…

This action research study aimed to investigate and identify ways to increase persistence among underrepresented minority (URM) students who were pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors at a community college. Retaining STEM students is a concern for student success in community colleges, especially for underrepresented…

This dissertation explores the math identity development of Black and Latinx students who are taking developmental math classes in a community college setting. The study delves deep into the incorporation of inclusive pedagogical practices in the classroom. Placing emphasis on the successes of students, the research was based on Martin's (2000)…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions and development of community college students as they navigate stigmas associated with a 2-year collegiate institution within the mid-Atlantic region. Community colleges continue to be labeled as a disservice in regard to academically and holistically preparing nontraditional…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of community college administrators in Mississippi regarding the early college high schools located on their campuses. While the ECHS model has become prominent in several states, Mississippi's efforts to implement the model have yet to be fully examined. Six administrators from…

Retention is a continuing concern for institutions of higher education, especially rural community colleges. Students are often not prepared for the rigor of college-level coursework, encounter academic and/or life obstacles, or do not possess the soft skills needed to succeed in college life. Research has shown that college-preparation courses…

Black male community college students are underperforming at all levels within higher education compared to their counterparts from all major racial groups in the nation. Reasons for the declining academic performance of Black male community college students include institutional racism, lack of role models, and student isolation. Black male…

A gap in achievement among Black men who pursue post-secondary education remains (Wood & Palmer, 2015). Many Black men start their college education at community colleges, but little is known about their experiences at Historically Black Community Colleges (HBCCs). The purpose of this dissertation of practice was to gain insights into the…

Latinas often experience a double bind as they navigate STEM trajectories, a result of multiple layers of marginalization associated with their intersecting identities. Although developing robust science identities is key to the persistence, success, and sense of belonging of minoritized students in STEM (Carlone & Johnson, 2007; McGee, 2020),…

This study examined the experiences of students with disabilities transitioning from high school to the post-secondary institution. Participants were seven successful students enrolled in their second year at a Southern California community college and two resource specialists who worked closely with them. A case study was determined to be the…

Utilizing Validation Theory through a social constructivist lens, this phenomenological study explores the ways in which institutional agents, peers, and family members contribute to the academic and interpersonal self-validation of Latine aspiring bilingual teachers who begin their higher education journey in the community college. All…

Individuals coming from low-income backgrounds, particularly women and people of color, are disproportionately underrepresented in STEM fields. The low representation is often attributed to low enrollment and completion rates in STEM programs. Community colleges play a crucial role in increasing diversity in the workforce. However, there is not…