Given the changing demographics of the Latino population in the United States, the purpose of this study is to analyze persistence, graduation and transfer among Latino students at community colleges. The research comes in response to the awareness that, despite the U.S.'s rapidly growing Latino population, Latinos have the lowest higher education…

The research for this dissertation is a study of one case example of programs and classes put into place for African American males at community colleges around the United States with a focus on how these programs were successful or not in assisting in the persistence, retention, and graduation of these students. The purpose of using Cross' (1991)…

With the introduction of the California community college chancellor's "Vision for Success Report" in 2017, the community college system experienced unprecedented levels of new legislation with the goal to refocus its values and resources, placing a higher priority on helping students complete a college education, as opposed to simply…

This study was conducted to investigate the decision-making process of students and their ability to connect passion when contemplating selection of a particular college major, and potential career. A phenomenological study approach was employed to obtain a better understanding of how student passion influences the decision-making process for…

Community college systems across the US have impacted the higher education goals and purposes in American education in profound ways. The mission of the community college is often seen as an opportunity for underprepared students to earn a degree or obtain a certification. The National Center for Educational Statistics (2014) reported that 60% of…

The purpose of this study is to contribute to efforts on countering violent extremism and radicalization. This research study measured attitudes towards violent extremist groups and the appeal of violent extremist ideologies among Muslim-American undergraduate students in universities and colleges in California. The target sample group for the…

This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of thirty-four CEOs of color of the underrepresentation of minorities serving in presidential roles at community colleges. Research has identified an underrepresentation of race and gender diversity among community college presidents that fails to mirror the racial and ethnic diversity of…

Understanding the factors that influence nursing students to stay or leave a nursing program is vital to ensure our population has prepared nurses to care. Low student retention leads to fewer nurse graduates, negatively impacting the nursing shortage. Although several factors contribute to the nursing shortage, with many well beyond the influence…

Current recommendations for school mathematics include teaching algebra as a K-12 content stranding beginning in the elementary-school grades. The focus of this study was on preservice elementary mathematics teachers' knowledge of algebra content in the intended curriculum for K-8 mathematics. In the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics…

This doctoral study discussed ways of increasing student veteran transfers to 4-year colleges and universities while decreasing the state skills gap. A qualitative research methodology was employed to provide insight into how California's community college leaders perceive their role in improving student veterans' academic success from a shared…

Community colleges have recently begun supplementing nonacademic support services with student success coaching to increase retention. While preliminary research indicates that coaching may positively influence student retention, little is known about the student experience with coaching. The objective of this dissertation was to understand how…

The concept of academic momentum links student enrollment patterns to degree completion whereby patterns of meaningful, consistent collegiate enrollment increase the likelihood of earning a degree. Academic momentum encompasses both a student's trajectory and rate of progress toward a tangible academic outcome with a core assumption that momentum…

This chapter explores the unique design of one of America's newest and most innovative community colleges: Stella and Charles Guttman Community College in New York City. This highly successful College offers its diverse student population a relevant, integrated curriculum and student support that is embedded in the classroom.

The study to be discussed in the proposed session was an extensive, multi-site research project that sought to answer the following essential question: What does it mean for students to be prepared to read at a college level in career technical education (CTE) courses? The impetus for this study was a need to fully understand what it means to be…

Historically, girls and women have experienced gender disparity in access to, and persistence in, STEM education. Though women comprise 50% of the total workforce, they occupy only 25% of STEM-related occupations. STEM degrees and occupations have been linked to economic prosperity, both for individuals and the nation as a whole. However, women…