| This project's purpose was to propose a counseling support group that addressed the psychological and information needs of Latino/a first-generation community college (FGCC) students. The literature indicated that validation, or persistent support and encouragement, from family, friends, educators, and other stakeholders plays a critical role in the academic achievement of Latino/a college students. Further, Latino/a FGCC students are more likely to transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institutions when information about college success is proactively shared by counselors, faculty, or staff. Therefore, the proposed counseling group integrates emotional support and information sharing so as to psychologically and intellectually prepare Latino/a FGCC students for a successful university transfer. In addition, the group promotes and supports the students' ethnic identity exploration in order to strengthen their sense of worth. Through a positive, solution-oriented focus, the counseling group aims to build the students' self-esteem, helping them to realize their higher education goals. |
