Date of Award

12-2025

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education/Leadership in Urban Schools

First Advisor

Patricia Krueger-Henney

Second Advisor

Wenfan Yan

Third Advisor

Lorna Rivera

Abstract

This mixed-methods case study examined the impact on Latino students of a Latino-centered college access program, the Talented and Gifted (TAG) Latino Program, based at Boston’s only public university (the University of Massachusetts Boston). Centering on the experiences of predominantly—but not exclusively—Latino alumni, the study triangulated quantitative survey data from 127 participants, qualitative data from 27 “Cafecito" focus groups involving a total of 120 alumni, and content analysis of 27 documents developed collaboratively during Cafecitos. Through this approach, the study amplified alumni voices to define the TAG program’s impact on their academic, social, personal, and professional advancement, illuminating the characteristics and conditions that catalyzed Latino success. Findings revealed that TAG alumni attributed their success to the program’s use of culturally sustaining pedagogy, intergenerational mentorship, identity affirmation, strong community-rooted networks, and holistic programming that cultivated a college-going culture and academic identity. The Cafecito process modeled a participatory and culturally resonant method of alumni engagement, yielding rich community-authored insights into long-term impact. These findings underscore the transformational power of targeted Latino-centered programs and call for sustained public investment in community-rooted, identity-affirming models of college access—especially as TAG’s continued operation remains at risk. As a blueprint for educational equity, TAG demonstrates what is possible when Latino communities design the solutions that serve them.

Comments

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