Chicana/o/x Dream: Hope, Resistance and Educational Success

The Chicana/o/x Dream profiles first-generation, Mexican-descent college students who have overcome adversity by utilizing various forms of cultural capital to power their academic success. Despite increasing college enrollment rates, this cohort faces significant barriers to achievement, including minimal information and limited access to preparation and advising. Gilberto Q. Conchas and Nancy Acevedo address the mechanisms that shape the achievement, aspirations, and expectations of Chicana/o/x students in marginalized communities and unequal school contexts, and share success stories about this growing population. The authors critique educational policies and practices that fail to champion Chicana/o/x success and examine the use of community cultural wealth to support US-born and US immigrant students of Mexican descent. The book offers a call to action to K–20 educators and administrators to develop better supports to foster the success of Mexican-descent students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Harvard Educational Publishing Group

The Chicana/o/x Dream, a groundbreaking study based on extensive interview data, life testimonies, and Chicana feminist theories, delves into the remarkable stories of first-generation Mexican-descent college students who have triumphed over adversity through the strategic utilization of diverse cultural capital. Despite the significant progress in college enrollment rates for this cohort over the past decade, they continue to face formidable barriers to academic success, including limited knowledge about college options and inadequate access to the necessary preparation and guidance required to achieve their goals. Consequently, Chicana/o/x students persistently experience low four-year completion rates, highlighting the urgent need for interventions.

In response to this challenge, Gilberto Q. Conchas and Nancy Acevedo take on the task of exploring the mechanisms that shape the achievements, aspirations, and expectations of Chicana/o/x students who grew up in marginalized communities and unequal school contexts. Through their compelling narratives, they shed light on the experiences of college-age men and women navigating the complexities of marginalization, anti-immigration sentiment, poverty, and an education system that often perpetuates deficit-minded stereotypes. The students featured in the narratives exude hope, resilience, and empowerment in the face of these adversities, demonstrating their determination to overcome obstacles and succeed against all odds.

Conchas and Acevedo's work is particularly noteworthy as they elevate the voices of students from both research universities and community colleges, providing a comprehensive perspective on the academic journeys of this growing population. By highlighting the experiences and perspectives of these students, the authors shed light on important issues and factors that impact and shape their academic endeavors. The narratives reveal the challenges faced by Chicana/o/x students, including limited access to resources, cultural barriers, and systemic biases, as well as the strategies they employ to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.

Furthermore, the authors critically examine the educational policies and practices that perpetuate systemic inequalities and fail to champion the success of Chicana/o/x students. They advocate for transformative changes that prioritize the needs and experiences of this diverse population, recognizing the importance of culturally responsive teaching and learning strategies. The authors also explore the use of community cultural wealth, which supports US-born and US immigrant students of Mexican descent, as a powerful tool for promoting their academic achievement. By leveraging the strengths and resources within their communities, Chicana/o/x students are able to overcome barriers and achieve success on their academic journeys.

Looking toward the future, the authors offer a hopeful vision by highlighting the actions taken by Chicana/o/x students in creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, cultural awareness, and empowerment as key ingredients in promoting the success of this growing population. The authors call for increased support, resources, and opportunities for Chicana/o/x students, recognizing their unique challenges and the need to address systemic inequalities to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

In conclusion, The Chicana/o/x Dream is a groundbreaking study that provides a deep understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by first-generation Mexican-descent college students. Through the powerful narratives and critical analysis of the data, Conchas and Acevedo shed light on the mechanisms that shape their achievements, aspirations, and expectations. By advocating for transformative changes and leveraging community cultural wealth, they offer a roadmap for promoting the success of Chicana/o/x students and creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system. This work is a valuable contribution to the field of education and has the potential to inspire and empower students to achieve their academic goals and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive society.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682535110