| dc.description.abstract | This quality improvement study was designed to explore the experiences of first-generation college students of color who participate in All-In Milwaukee’s comprehensive college completion and career placement program. The program model includes intensive advising and career development coupled with financial aid and affordable university costs. The aim of the program is to ensure that the participants successfully complete college and matriculate into the Milwaukee workforce. The program scholars that All-In Milwaukee serves are 100% students of color and 95% first-generation college students, so it was important to critically explore their experiences considering race and belonging as foundational to this study. This study utilized an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach that combined quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to explore and deconstruct the experiences of these program scholars to make recommendations to All-In Milwaukee. Findings from this research study established that persisting as a first-generation student of color at All-In Milwaukee’s partner colleges and universities is a triumph but is also filled with challenges for program scholars. Furthermore, persistence at All-In Milwaukee’s partner colleges and universities requires strategic systems of support to overcome the challenges that program scholars face. Another finding aligned with Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth theory that highlights the invaluable wealth of life experiences and knowledge that students of color bring from their homes and communities into college. Family, faith, culture, and community are critical aspects that keep program scholars persisting at partner colleges and universities; however, family can also be a barrier. Finally, there is a greater need for All-In Milwaukee to focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion with partner colleges and universities. | en_US |
