“Las Funciones de Los Padres Y Probabilidades de Éxito”: Studying the Role Parents Play in the College Success of Socioeconomically and Educationally Disadvantaged First-Year Latin@s

ABSTRACT Using semi-structured interviews with nine socioeconomically and educationally disadvantaged Latin@s at a predominantly White institution, this phenomenological study examined the role that parents played in their success in college. Three distinct themes were identified related to academic advice, motivation, needs; encouraging their resilience; and, unexpectedly, challenging their college success. Implications for future policy and practice are highlighted, as well as recommendations for extending this important line of inquiry on Latin@s in higher education.