Latinx Immigrant-Origin Community College Students: Examining Persistence and Transfer Through a Funds of Identity Framework

Objective: The study aimed to understand how Latinx immigrant-origin community college students draw upon their funds of identity to persist and transfer. Methods: Utilizing a multimethodological qualitative approach, self-portraits and testimonios were collected from 20 Latinx immigrant-origin California community college students in spring 2022. All participants planned to transfer to a 4-year college in the fall. Data analysis included deductive, inductive, and axial coding. Results: Family ties shaped students’ aspirations and persistence while the development of new funds of identity help define their community college journey. In addition, culturally affirming courses and programs that aligned with students’ funds of identity supported persistence and transfer during challenging moments. Finally, students’ academic interests and career exploration operated as motivating factors to help them reach their future goals. Contributions: The results from this study demonstrate the need for community colleges to recognize and affirm Latinx immigrant-origin students’ diverse identities. Community colleges also need to ensure that programs and services align with students’ lived experiences.