Description
For over a decade, colleges and universities alike have focused on closing educational gaps in postsecondary education—targeting student success outcomes at each of their respective institutions. Institutes across the nation have finally shifted their attention to the racial and gender gaps that exist, particularly taking account of the gender disparities between women and men in college. Given that community colleges are open access, community members, including men of color have viewed community college as a promising pathway for success. This mixed methods study aimed to understand factors affecting Mexican men's academic success in the community college, namely, Mexicano men. Specifically, this study drew from the Community College Survey of Men (CCSM) to examine predictors for student success. Data were analyzed using linear regression, binary logistic regression, multinomial logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and moderation analysis. This study also drew from 25 counter narratives in order to more closely understand Mexicano perceptions on degree attainment and masculinity. Findings of this study determined predictive variables of degree utility and success, in addition to revealing moderating masculinity variables that intensified effects. Furthermore, qualitative findings revealed that overwhelmingly men expressed positive perceptions of degree utility and masculinity. Implications for policy and practice are extended.
