Date of Award
6-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Publisher
Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Abstract
This study explores the educational experiences and retention of Latinx California community college adult learners, emphasizing the interplay of cultural, institutional, and individual factors shaping academic persistence. Through a qualitative research study, accompanied by digital collages and an optional post-interview questionnaire, eleven Latinx California community college adult learners across the state engaged with the following research questions: (a) What types of memorable messages do Latinx adult California community college students receive from institutional agents (e.g., counselors and professors) about navigating higher education? (b) How do students transform these memorable messages into navigational capital that supports academic retention? (c) How do students perceive the impact of these messages on their behavior, attitude, and motivation toward their educational goals? Guided by LatCrit, Community Cultural Wealth (CCW), and Anticipatory Socialization through Memorable Messages frameworks, the study examines how these learners navigate institutional structures, utilize resources, and respond to messages from institutional agents (e.g., professors and counselors). Findings reveal that messages communicated by institutional agents impact Latinx adult learners’ academic retention by shaping their self-perception, motivation, and aspirations, with supportive, empathetic messages fostering resilience and counteracting institutional barriers, while institutional neglect undermines students’ academic abilities and sense of belonging. The implications showcase retention strategies for Latinx adult learners, highlighting the need for inclusive, culturally relevant practices, flexible support services, realistic degree completion messaging, diverse leadership, and strategies such as empathetic interactions, enhanced navigational support, and mentorship to improve student persistence.
Recommended Citation
Takagi, Alexis Rei, "“Fight for the Education You Deserve”: The Role of Memorable Messages in the Transformation of Navigational Capital for Latinx Community College Adult Learners’ Academic Retention" (2025). Social Justice in Educational Leadership EdD Dissertations. 23.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/ed_dissertations/23
