Abstract
This study aims to identify the factors that assisted migrant Latino college students in pursuing higher education when they were in high school. Researchers hypothesized that the study findings on challenges and protective factors for the students would be consistent with those in the literature. Study findings failed to give evidence to support those challenging factors identified in the literature review. They, however, confirmed and showed consistency with the protective factors identified. The study employed of a self-administered survey completed by 42 students enrolled in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at the California State University, Sacramento. The survey contains 50 items, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data. All study participants are first-generation college students. A significant amount of students reported their parents had less than a high school education. Scholarships and grants are students’ major source of funding for college. Mobility, language, financial instability, and the need of having a job were not perceived by them as challenges throughout high school. Important protective factors in high school included family, peers, and mentors. Qualitative findings show that having a mentor or a significant person who are caring and reassuring often inspired students to get a college degree. This connection is their top motivating factor in moving towards their academic goals. Supportive services in high school for migrant students and services such as CAMP have found to be extremely helpful in facilitating students to pursue and to remain in their college education. It is crucial for social workers to work closely with the Latino community, parents, and students through effective education, counseling, and other supportive programs to promote student’s academic and personal successes in high school and in college.