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Obstacles to Hispanic Higher Education
Discover and learn how to overcome obstacles to Hispanic higher education.
By Lauren Bayne Anderson
While some 98 percent of Hispanic high school students say they’d
like to attend college, according to a new study, only 25 percent of Hispanics
are currently enrolled in
There are many reasons for the low numbers. But one of the
main factors is the responsibilities many Hispanic students say they must take
on to help support their families.
At the College Preparation symposium last year, activists
and students said the environment in which many Hispanics grow up in is simply
not nurturing and fails to promote higher education as a viable option. Often
Hispanic students are asked to take on family responsibilities that may hinder
their educational progress, according to Diverse
Issues in Higher Education.
“I was 16 years old when my father had a heart attack that
pronounced him disabled and so I had to drop out of school to become the sole
provider,” said Norma Rojas at the symposium, said Diverse Issues. “Now, at 27, I am not the traditional college
student, but I am beginning my college career.”
in
Hispanic students say they also have few role models in
their communities to help them navigate the college application and financial
aid processes. Many said they had to find their own ways into college. And some
give up their dreams of higher education when jobs offering enticing salaries
are available to them.
The study shows that 62 percent of Hispanics report that
neither of their parents went to college and that they are more likely to learn
about higher education opportunities through non-personal advertising such as
direct mail or billboards, according to Diverse
Issues.
Steven Galvan, the fourth of seven children, followed his
grandfather’s footsteps, enlisting in the military as a route to college,
reports Diverse Issues.
“There are numerous jobs in Texas, especially in the automobile
industries, and they suck people in by paying $12 an hour without having to be
certified, and people think it’s a lot of money,” Galvan told Diverse Issues. “But my grandfather told
me that with education you only go up, and it can never be taken from you, and
so I took his advice.”
U.S. Rep. Hilda L. Solis,
D-Calif., told Diverse Issues that
the effort to boost Hispanic college enrollment should start as early as the
preschool years. She says college-prep programs like Upward Bound and other
TRIO programs should be expanded and schools should play a larger role in
nurturing and steering Hispanic students toward college.
Information compiled
from Diverse Issues in Higher Education and the


GraceW155
9 months ago
does anyone have any scholarship info for ab 540 college students? if so please email me at tamyabonet2@aol.com
Thanks
JohannaM81
10 months ago
Never knew there were so many going through the same things...
TriciaG61
10 months ago
Education was never a number one priority in my family. It was either take care of your family or take care of your family. I was taken out of middle school several times because my parents didn't want me to be corrupted by mainstream peer pressure. In retrospect, I got into more trouble outside of the classroom. I went to 6th grade and was taken out for 7th. I went to 8th grade for 2 weeks and then I was stripped away. Then I missed my freshman year of high school. A truant officer visited my mother and I and encouraged education with a homebound teacher. My homebound teacher was a terrific role model and guided me to graduating high school. I was given a helping hand when I needed it the most and I was the first and only to graduate out of my two older siblings. I didn't have it easy while growing up in the lifestyle that was forced upon me, but there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. The end of that tunnel was in turn the beginning. I had to prove to my family that I was able and they became very proud of my accomplishments. This may sound like a slap in the face and maybe insulting to some, but I'm not bragging. I just want to give hope. Take my word for it. I grew up in a dysfunctional and traumatizing environment, but I had to get out and make the best of it. Everything happens for a reason. Don't be afraid to ask for advice. Let your dreams guide you and never give up hope. If you really want something you have to go and just get it yourself. God Bless.
MaggaleanM
10 months ago
wow...
i didn't know that there were so many different ppl. going thru the same things i'm going through right now...
this has inspired me to make sure i keep myself in check
RicardoRo
10 months ago
Some how i feel like it would be harder for me to get into college now. But there is no reason why to give up. I'm still poor and happy but it will soon catch up to me in time.