Publication Date

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

Advisor

Dolores Mena; Isaac Escoto; María Ledesma

Keywords

California Community College;Counseling;HSI;Latinx;Retention;Servingness

Abstract

Latinx students comprise the largest population within the California Community College (CCC) system, but experience disproportionately lower retention rates. This dissertation used a phenomenological qualitative design and testimonios collected from Latinx general counselors to explore factors influencing Latinx student retention. Sixteen tenured Latinx general counselors from ten Northern California Hispanic-serving community colleges served as participants. Guided by two research questions, the study explored counselors’ perspectives on the factors influencing Latinx community college students’ retention and the counseling strategies, services, and resources that General Counseling Departments should provide to support Latinx student retention. Grounded in Latinx Critical Race Theory, the study integrated a community cultural wealth and servingness framework to generate a comprehensive call to action. Findings are organized across four levels—individual counselors, general counseling departments, institutions, and systemic structures—offering actionable recommendations to transform counseling practices and advance Latinx student success. This work contributes to the field of transformative educational leadership by demonstrating how intentional, culturally responsive counseling can improve retention outcomes for Latinx students in the California Community College System. This system consists of a majority of Hispanic-serving institutions.

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