Addressing the informational needs of low-income Latino parents about higher education

One of the biggest obstacles to college access is the lack of student, and parent knowledge, concerning the pathway to college and a bachelor's degree (Auerbach, 2004; Downs et al, 2008). When it comes to college knowledge, parents need to understand as much as they can about the requirements for college, as they are one of the top three sources of information for students. (Auerbach, 2004). By receiving the college information they need and want, Latino parents can have a more engaged involvement which can help their child academically and better transition into college (Auerbach, 2004, 2006; DeCastro-Ambrosetti & Cho, 2005: Zulli, Frierson Jr., & Clayton, 1999). Many of the jobs in our future will be knowledge-based and will require at least some post-secondary education, and a great number of Latinos will not participate if the bleak education statistics continue (Tornatzky, Cutler, & Lee, 2002). This study intended on identifying the college information possessed by local low-income Latino parents, their informational needs and concerns about college, and the preparation for it. As well as identify promising outreach strategies for organizations and institutions in order to create a better relationship, and exchange of information, with low-income Latino parents. Methodology This study utilized a mixed method research methodology. There were two Latino parents interviewed for this study. Both were mothers of Latino high school students who were also enrolled in an academic equity program. The parents were also participating with the program through the orientations and informational sessions developed by the program. In addition, the Director of the program was interviewed. Also, surveys were given to two groups of parents. The first group was given an evaluation survey while attending an educational event set up by a community outreach organization. The second group of parents was provided with a survey while attending a meeting with their child's high school counselor / soccer coach. Latino parents are hungry for information in order to be more involved in their child's education and their pathway to college. They adapt to their lack of resources and provide the moral support that is also important to their children. However, for the parents involved in this study there was information they needed and wanted to learn more of in order to provide the support and have the involvement they prefer. Financial aid and academic requirements were among the main topics parents identified as wanting know more about. The best outreach strategies were also covered in this study. It was discovered that the Latino parents involved in this study preferred the informational events they attend to be in a discussion format. Also, they were more open and comfortable receiving information if it is presented by others with a similar background and/or by Spanish-speakers.