This longitudinal study employs quantitative and qualitative methodologies that explain how federal grant funding provides resources to assist low-income students in enrolling and attaining a post-secondary education. It uses data from a grant-funded college readiness program totaling $2.4 million dollars. It demonstrates how resources are fundamental for student success combined with quality education–making a significant difference in students’ personal and academic development. The findings prove that students from low-income/ working-class communities can improve their upward mobility and quality of life. The research indicates that knowledge deficits were significantly more evident among families with lower incomes and educational attainments. The context of this study is in El Paso, Texas, a borderlands region where 23% “make it”’ to higher education. In 2001 only 13% of first-generation students graduated. The majority do not “make it”’. Those who “make it” to higher education are often unprepared for academic rigor.

Authors: César Augusto Rossatto, Myrna Avalos

Published in: Ireland International Conference on Education (IICE-2022)

• Date of Conference: 26-28 April 2022
• DOI: 10.20533/IICE.2022.0014
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-46-4
• Conference Location: Virtual (Dún Laoghaire, Ireland)