Abstract

Of

CHARACTERISTICS OF DEGREE-HOLDING CHICANAS

By

Alicia C. Hinojosa

Spring 2007

California State University, Sacramento

Statement of Purpose

This study focused on Chicanas who have succeeded in attaining their bachelor degrees in the hopes of identifying success factors which can be conveyed to more Chicanas. It is the intention of this study to illuminate success factors and beneficial characteristics which will assist other Chicanas to confidently pursue higher education. It is also hoped that education and ethnic studies scholars whose interests involve the recruitment and retention of minority students will find this study useful to their efforts.

Sources of Data

Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with ten Mexican-American women holding four-year college degrees. Subjects were given a written questionnaire prior to being interviewed to establish background information. Subjects were also asked questions during personal interviews which were tape-recorded. The questions focused on their educational experiences and factors which influenced and aided them in their pursuit and attainment of higher education. The data were then coded and analyzed. The researcher looked for common themes regarding socioeconomic status, educational legacy, familial and academic support, peer and social support, role modeling and mentoring, as well as unanticipated themes which emerged from the data.

Conclusions Reached
The most obvious conclusion to be drawn from this study is the positive influence that college outreach programs had on the women interviewed. The study also concludes that there is an alarming deficit in school guidance counseling for Chicanas who may be eligible for college admission. The involvement of role models and mentors is a positive factor. Ethnic pride and strong ethnic identity are also positive factors in the attainment of higher education among Chicanas. Lastly, as several of the women in the study plan to return to their communities to pursue careers and make contributions, finding a meaningful area of study had a significant impact on Chicana college retention.