This literature review highlights barriers to persistence, retention, and graduation for students of color at institutions of higher learning. Successful strategies, approaches, and initiatives are discussed with consideration to deficit and strengths-based approaches. It is also highlighted that universities may need to address programmatic barriers within the institutions that may exacerbate systemic barriers to success for students of color in higher education.

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The present literature review explores research on characteristics of effective Living Learning Communities as a means to inform the continued development of a new LLC at Cleveland State University, a large urban, Predominately White University (PWU). Research on retention and persistence is explored with respect to students’ strengths and developmental prerequisites, rather than having a hyper-focus on deficits in effort to inform the continued development of an LLC at Cleveland State University. The objective is to create an LLC that showcases a balanced approach, where students’ needs are addressed while helping them realize and harness their individual strengths for success in college and beyond. Research regarding the perspectives of students who attended LLCs at PWUs as well as short and long-term outcomes for students in terms of persistence, retention, GPA, and future projections, in order to develop a successful LLC, is reviewed.

This study examines the relationship between student success measures on student achievement to inform our approach to mediating against potential barriers on persistence and retention for first generation and traditionally marginalized populations for students enrolled in a new Living Learning Community. Success measures examine those beyond the control of the university, including, but not limited to, High School GPA and ACT scores to determine where we should intervene and where we should build upon the strengths of our students. The theme of the PH LLC is Leadership Development and Career Exploration, a program that seeks to empower students by harnessing their individual strengths and capitalizing on them to be successful in college and beyond. The design of this program and its future prospects are also discussed.