Reflecting on the institutional processes for college success: The experiences of four Chicanos in the context of inequality

The education crisis facing the Latino community in the United States has received considerable attention. Recognizing the demographic growth, low-educational attainment levels, high dropout rates and low college attendance rates among Latinos, research suggests that Latino males specifically are struggling. In recognition of the various factors that shape the disparity in Latino male outcomes, this article aims to focus on the experiences of four low-income Chicanos within the US context. Our counter-narratives demonstrate that beyond “ganas,” key institutional processes, practices and policies shaped our experiences, providing a complex analysis of Latino student mobility from kindergarten to college and career.