The structuring of extracurricular opportunities and Latino student retention

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This study examines extracurricular participation of Latino students in an inner-city high school. Multiple, intensive interviews with 33 participants, along with ethnographic observation, school records, students' transcripts, school reports, yearbooks, and other school documents were used in the research. My findings suggest that there is a strong connection between high school retention and extracurricular participation. The students who stayed in school and graduated had extracurricular participation rates much higher than students who ended up dropping out. I found that this was not due to lack of interest from nonparticipants but to the way extracurricular opportunities were structured. The school's formal and informal requirements for participation such as limited funds, school size, participation criteria, and access to extracurricular activities made joining the programs difficult for many students, especially those at-risk of dropping out.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLatino Poverty in the New Century
Subtitle of host publicationInequalities, Challenges, and Barriers
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Pages85-108
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9780203048238
ISBN (Print)0789011603, 9780789011602
StatePublished - Nov 12 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Extracurricular activities
  • High school
  • Latinos
  • School retention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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