Abstract
This study examined California Community Colleges leaders’ perspectives and efforts associated with Latinx career education student completion at colleges performing in the top decile. Findings from this mixed-methods study suggest top decile colleges bridge opportunity gaps and respond to and affirm culture to increase Latinx career education college completion rates. This is achieved through a variety of practices, including specific completion initiatives, data-driven decision making, access to resources, effective leadership, student supports and services, and high-quality curricula. Quantitative data suggested no opportunity gap between Latinx and non-Latinx students in career education, even though collegewide, Latinx students performed almost two standard deviations below their non-Latinx counterparts. The percentage of students receiving Pell grants and college Latinx completion rates were found to be positively associated with Latinx career education completion rates. Recommendations for policy, practice, and leadership include investing in practices to bridge opportunity gaps, and both responding to and affirming Latinx culture.