Abstract
In this multiyear, statewide empirical investigation, the degree to which ethnic/racial diversity of first-time in college full-time Texas community college students changed from the 1999-2000 through the 2014-2015 academic years was determined. Over this time period, the percentage of Hispanic first-time in college full-time Texas community college students showed a statistically significant increase, whereas the percentage of White first-time in college full-time students statistically significantly decreased. No changes were noted with respect to either Black or Asian first-time in college full-time college students during this time period. Although some improvement was noted in the ethnic-racial diversity of Texas first-time in college full-time students, more work remains. Implications for policy and recommendations for research were provided.
Highlights
Over the past 100 years, community colleges have delivered academic programs through open admission policies, low cost tuition, vocational, and specialized workforce training programs that serve as an essential academic pipeline for many students to access postsecondary education (Cohen, Brawer, & Kisker, 2014; Ma & Baum, 2015)
For the 16 years of data that were analyzed, statistically significant differences were present with respect to Hispanic firsttime in college students who were enrolled full-time in Texas community colleges between the 1999-2000 and 2007-2008 academic years
The percentage of Texas community college students who were first-time in college students who were enrolled in Texas community colleges on a full-time basis and who were Hispanic steadily increased over this time period
Summary
Over the past 100 years, community colleges have delivered academic programs through open admission policies, low cost tuition, vocational, and specialized workforce training programs that serve as an essential academic pipeline for many students to access postsecondary education (Cohen, Brawer, & Kisker, 2014; Ma & Baum, 2015). As open-door institutions, community colleges provide access to higher education to first-time students, low-income families, and adults seeking further workforce training and certification (Ma & Baum, 2015). These open-door institutions, which are expected to serve all individuals regardless of. Community colleges deliver three primary core missions, which include: (a) providing university transfer opportunities, (b) providing workforce training specialization, and (c) providing continuing education opportunities (Bahr, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
