Abstract
This policy brief is based on a qualitative study of eight, low-income, urban, pre-college Latinas in California. Data for this study were collected using a narrative approach, guided by two questions: (1) What are the experiences of low-income, urban Latina students seeking financial aid to attend college?; and (2) Based on their efforts, experiences, and final choices in financial aid decision-making, what are the outcomes for this student population? The study participants, as the storytellers, offered detailed accounts of their "student aid" stories during one-on-one interviews over a 10-month period as they made their college and financial aid decisions. Many aspects of Latinas' college-going processes are similar to their peers representing other income levels. Similar to other students who aspire to attend college, some take the SAT, and others do not. All work toward completion of academic requirements and college applications. All consider applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid. However, Latinas face multiple issues such as serving as financial support agents for the family, navigating the citizenship process, and being pulled away from college housing to live with family. These additional cultural pressures mark key differences between the experiences of low-income Latinas and those of middle- and upper-class peers. (Contains 1 table.) [This paper was written with the assistance of Nana Osei-Kofi, Laura Perna, Laura Rendon, Ed St. John, Estela Zarate, Adrianna Kezar, Kristen Renn, Margaret Sallee, and Jose Cabrales.]