Ways to Increase Retention Rates Among American Indian/Alaskan Native Students at Community Colleges
Date Approved
4-26-2023
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Karyn Rabourn
Academic Year
2022/2023
Abstract
American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) pursue higher education disproportionately compared to other populations. Literature indicates that a sense of belonging significantly impacts AI/AN students' persistence rates at community colleges. Sense of belonging and support from community colleges and families directly influence student success in higher education. AI/AN students are grounded in their community and have desires to build their cultural capital. Obtaining a degree will strengthen their community and, ultimately, their nation. It is essential for AI/AN students and parents to feel equipped with resources and ways community colleges support marginalized students. Creating a student and parent orientation, access to a family education specialist, and attending AI/AN social programming contribute to student empowerment and persistence. The program will provide resources for students' academic, cultural, and spiritual well-being.
ScholarWorks Citation
Wheeler, Sarah R., "Ways to Increase Retention Rates Among American Indian/Alaskan Native Students at Community Colleges" (2023). Culminating Experience Projects. 258.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/258
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Higher Education Commons, Indigenous Education Commons
