Low Percentage of Latinos in College

Filed in archive Latin Chat on February 9, 2007

From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

"The percentage of college-age Latinos in California who are enrolled in the state's public universities is the lowest among all ethnic groups, according to a report published in December by the Washington, D.C., group Excelencia in Education. The report was done in partnership with the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute at the University of Southern California and the California Policy Research Center.

Only 22 percent of California Latinos 18 to 24 years old were enrolled in a public college or university in 2005, said the report, "California Policy Options to Latino Success in Higher Education."

By comparison, 60 percent of Asians, 43 percent of Caucasians and 32 percent of African-Americans in the same age category in California were enrolled in higher education.

For Latinos, the percentage of high school graduates entering college has hovered between 8 percent and 10 percent for 25 years, the report said."

Why is that? The article mentions that "part of the reason for the low attendance rate is that Latina students have few adult role models in middle and high school." OK, true.

But we shouldn't let this situation become permanent. Latinos are as capable and intelligent as anybody. Just because your mamá or your papá didn't went to college, doesn't mean you can't. You can, and you should. College is one of the best ways to a good life.

Think about it. Even if you are not 18 to 24 years old. Doesn't matter how old you are, it's not too late ! :)

Via: Hispanic Trending