Using data from a survey of 75 parents and high school students who were eligible for a college access program, this article examines parents’ and students’ college aspirations and their confidence in fulfilling that goal. The authors argue that pre-college preparation programs can benefit from the non-economic forms of capital that these families undoubtedly have. Moreover, students’ and their parents’ confidence in college aspirations are often situated in deeply-rooted beliefs in the ultimate benefits of education for individual, familial, and communal uplift. Understanding the valuable role of social and cultural capital in the college goals of first-generation and low-income youth will help college preparation programs build stronger partnerships with their students and families as they help them move from college aspirations to attainment.

Using data from preservice teachers enrolled in a diversity course in a predominantly White teacher education program, researchers uncovered that diversity education was indeed a catalyst for preservice teachers to increase knowledge of diversity and their understanding of the process of critically reflecting on their teaching and learning practices. The findings revealed that the teachers not only taught with cultural relevance in mind but also adopted a philosophy of education that incorporates social reconstructionism and transformative learning, viewing themselves as social justice advocates for children and families.

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