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Edited by Jeanett Castellanos, Alberta M. Gloria, & Mark Kamimura Forewords by Hector Garza, Melba Vasquez Published 2006 Available through Stylus Publishing This book was featured at the 1st American Association of Hispanic Higher Education Conference in San Antonio, Texas (2006). Read a book review by Frank Hernandez (2006) published in the Journal of College Student Development.

Comments about the Book:

"This book provides important information about the realities Latina/os face as replacement of the ranks in higher education is occurring and the Latina/o population is increasing. We need to take the insights presented here to develop more intentional activities to prepare the next generation of Latino doctoral recipients."  Sylvia Hurtado, Professor and Director of the Higher Education Research Institution at the University of California at Los Angeles

"It is a compelling call to action for the advancement of a more prosperous and just civil society that fully taps the intellectual and creative talents of Latina/os." Antonio Flores, President of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

"This book charts the many paths to achievement by highlighting what it also means to be Latina/o in today's America. It is an important contribution." Earl Lewis, Provost and Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs at Emory University

"Combining facts, scholarly assessments and the vibrant perspectives of doctoral candidates, this book serves as an important resource to anyone who seeks to meet the challenge of increasing the successful participation of the Latino community in higher education." Sarita E. Brown, President, Excelenica in Education

About the Book:

The Latina/o population constitutes the largest racial and ethnic minority group in the U.S. and is disproportionately under-represented in college and in graduate programs. That the pool of Latinas/os eligible for doctoral programs is one of the smallest of any racial and ethnic group is no less than an educational scandal.

This is the first book specifically to engage with the absence of Latinas/os in doctoral studies. It proposes policy strategies to open up the pipeline, and institutional practices to ensure access, support, models and training for Latinas/os aspiring to the Ph.D.

The under-education of Latina/o youth begins early. Given that by twelfth grade half will stop or be pushed out of high school, and only seven percent will complete a college degree, it is not surprising so few enter graduate studies. Even when in higher education, the majority of Latinos attend two-year colleges, from which few transfer to four-year colleges. Most of the rest attend non-selective Hispanic Serving Institutions with low graduation rates. Few attend the selective colleges that are the gateways to graduate degrees. If they do, they often encounter social and academic isolation, unaffordable costs and lack of support.

This historic under-representation has created a vicious cycle. There is a paucity of the Latina/o faculty and leaders whom research shows are essential for changing campus climate and influencing institutions to adapt to the needs of a changing student body. This leaves Latino graduate students with few role models, advocates or mentors, and without support for their research agendas.

By reviewing the pipeline from kindergarten through university, this book provides the needed data and insights to effect change for policy makers and administrators; and material for reflection for aspiring Latina/o Ph.D.s on the paths they have taken and the road ahead.

It then addresses the unique experiences and challenge faced by Latina/os in doctoral programs, and offers guidance for students and those responsible for them. Chapters cover issues of gender and generational differences, the role of culture in the graduate school, mentorship, pursuing research, and professional development opportunities for Latina/os.

The book closes with the voices of Latina/o students who are currently pursuing or recently completed their doctoral degree. These narratives describe their cultural and educational journeys, providing insight into their personal and professional experiences. These stories bring alive the graduate experience for anyone interested in successful recruitment, retention, and graduation of Latina/o doctoral students --and inspiration and guidance to those aspiring to the doctorate.

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