A Phenomenological Study of Hispanic First-Generation High School Graduates Who Do Not Pursue Higher Education

This phenomenological study identified why only 47% of Hispanic first-generation studentspursue college after high school graduation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the highschool graduate enrollment rate was down about 4% compared to the 66.2% rate in October2019. The data collection and analysis procedures included qualitative interviews over Zoomwith the participants, with recording devices. High schools should provide opportunities forstudents to explore various career paths through internships, job shadowing, career fairs, andvocational training programs. This helps students make informed decisions about their collegemajor and career goals.Keywords: first-generation student, Hispanic, Latino, leadership, persistence, school leadership, transformational leadership