The Latina/o Pathway to the Ph.D.: Abriendo Caminos - Tapa blanda

Diversifying professionals, researchers, and faculty in higher education with Latina/o talent continues to be a goal of many who work in graduate recruitment, graduate student support, and the preparation of undergraduates for advanced degrees. This book provides important information about the realities Latina/os face as replacement of the ranks in higher education is occurring and the Latina/o population is increasing. We need to take the insights presented here to develop more intentional activities to prepare the next generation of Latino doctoral recipients. - Sylvia Hurtado is Professor and Director of the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles ""Combining facts, scholarly assessments and the vibrant perspectives of doctoral candidates, this book guides readers along the PH.D. pathway taken, and still to be pursued, by many Latino doctorates. Increasing the successful participation of the country's fastest growing community - the Latino community - is a pressing challenge for higher education. This book serves as an important resource to anyone who seeks to meet this challenge."" - Sarita E. Brown, President, Excelencia in Education

The Latina/o population constitutes the largest racial and ethnic minority group in the U.S. and is disproportionately under-represented in college and in graduate programs. This is the first book specifically to engage with the absence of Latinas/os in doctoral studies. It proposes educational and administrative strategies to open up the pipeline, and institutional practices to ensure access, support, models and training for Latinas/os aspiring to the Ph.D. The under-education of Latina/o youth begins early. Given that by twelfth grade half will stop out or be pushed out of high school, and only seven percent will complete a college degree, it is not surprising so few enter graduate studies. When Latina/o students do enter higher education, few attend those colleges or universities that are gateways to graduate degrees. Regardless of the type of higher education institution they attend, Latinas/os often encounter social and academic isolation, unaffordable costs, and lack of support. This historic under-representation has created a vicious cycle of limited social and economic mobility. There is a paucity of the Latina/o faculty and leaders whom research shows are essential for changing campus climate and influencing institutions to adapt to the needs of a changing student body. As a result, Latina/o graduate students often have few role models, advocates or mentors, and limited support for their research agendas. By reviewing the pipeline from kindergarten through university, this book provides the needed data and insights to effect change for policy makers, administrators, faculty, and staff; and material for reflection for aspiring Latina/o Ph.D.s on the paths they have taken and the road ahead. The book then addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by Latina/os in doctoral programs, and offers guidance for students and those responsible for them. Chapters cover issues of gender and generational differences, the role of culture in the graduate school, mentorship, pursuing research, and professional development opportunities for Latina/os. The book closes with the voices of by Latina/o students who are currently pursuing or recently completed their doctoral degree. These narratives describe their cultural and educational journeys, providing insight into their personal and professional experiences. These stories bring alive the graduate experience for anyone interested in successful recruitment, retention, and graduation of Latina/o doctoral students - an inspiration and guidance to those aspiring to the doctorate.