Race, Class, Gender and Community College Persistence Among African American Women

exploration of persistence among successful low-income students in North Carolina

“…Unexpected obstacles impeding continued persistence commonly include health issues, childcare needs, job layoffs, or a myriad of other circumstances that trigger financial or other burdens too difficult to overcome (Bundy, 2013;Hawley & Harris 2006;Miller et al, 2005;Walpole, Chambers, & Goss, 2014). Economically disadvantaged students do not often have familial support systems to help them overcome barriers; therefore, institutional services are frequently the only positive intervention available to lower-income students.…”

“…Students who enroll in community colleges, particularly economically disadvantaged students, spend a great deal of time and money taking developmental courses before they ever enroll in the first credit course for their program of study. Every developmental course taken by a student, adds to the time it takes to complete their degree and extended time for completion can trigger consequences that create barriers for students (Walpole et al, 2014).…”

“…During the mid-2000's federal financial aid rules were enacted that penalize students who do not complete their degree within the period deemed acceptable by the Department of Education (Walpole et al, 2014).…”

“…The average community college student is 29 years old and responsible for supporting themselves and often bearing the weight of acting as the head of the household for their family (Bundy, 2013;Hawley & Harris, 2006;Walpole et al, 2014). All too often, unanticipated situations arise that take precedence over educational pursuits.…”

“…Unexpected health problems, child or other family needs, economic difficulties, or a myriad of other circumstances can impact a student's ability to persist. These obstacles impose time, financial, or other hindrances that are often too difficult to overcome (Bundy, 2013;Hawley & Harris 2006;Miller et al, 2005;Walpole et al, 2014). Low-income students do not have emergency funds to offset unforeseen circumstances; thirty-nine percent of students reported being confident they could come up with $500 to support an unexpected need, while only 17% and 6% reported they could secure $1,000 and $2,000 respectively (CCCSE, 2017).…”