Social, cultural, and institutional factors affecting the transition from high school to postsecondary education for Latino students in the state of Kentucky

One of the most important issues facing the educational system in the United States is the dramatic change in the socio-demographic aspects of society. The changing face of an increasingly diverse society is most represented by the fastest growing minority; nearly one in six residents is Hispanic.;At the present time, a postsecondary degree is widely accepted as a basic goal in education. Latinos are underrepresented and lag every other ethnicity in attaining college degrees. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Latinos during the transition period from high school to postsecondary education in Kentucky. Recently, the Commonwealth had a rapid growth of immigrants and refugees, much of which has occurred in urban areas, posing challenges for all institutions and levels of society.;To facilitate analysis of patterns of inequality and racial exclusion that continue to exist for Latinos in the transition from high school to postsecondary education, Latino Critical Theory, which explains micro and macro social problems was applied.;To explore the experiences and perceptions of the participants, the information was drawn from three main sources: (a) a questionnaire to collect demographic and personal data, (b) six focus groups, and (c) supplemental notes. Six higher education institutions across the state were selected, with 28 Latino undergraduate students participating. Quantitative analysis was performed to select a very diverse group of students. Qualitative methodology was used to examine and draw conclusion from the focus groups.;Institutions across the country are facing various challenges such as lower enrollment rates, lower academic success, and higher dropout rates in college due to the increasing number of Latino students entering postsecondary education. Latinos are now the most poorly educated population facing barriers from social, cultural, political and institutional factors.;Analysis revealed that financial issues related to family structure and socioeconomic background were influential in participants' decisions to pursue a postsecondary degree. Cultural factors, especially English fluency, were also relevant. Local communities and institutional factors (K-12, legal) had generally a negative impacts. Students shared experiences of discrimination, rejection, and isolation, plus positive assistance and success.