Civic Development of Latine Students: The Role of Equity‐Minded Community College Leaders
ABSTRACT This study explores how equity‐minded educators at Hispanic Serving community colleges (HSCCs) foster the civic development of Latine students, emphasizing leadership, civic engagement, and agency beyond academic success. Using a multi‐case study design, we analyzed interviews with 29 educators from two HSCCs in Southern California to understand their perceptions and practices. Findings show educators assume personal responsibility for developing racial literacy and critical consciousness as foundations for civic engagement. Strategies include integrating local history into curricula, building community partnerships, and creating paid opportunities for students to engage in social justice work. These efforts reflect a commitment to dismantling inequities and preparing students as agents of change. The study calls for institutionalized approaches to embed equity and civic development into policies, curricula, and professional development.
Authors
- Cynthia M. Alcantar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8082-9366)
- Carlos Galán (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8238-0873)
- Melissa Jauregui‐Gomez
- Edwin Hernandez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0529-3688)
- Jossie Muñoz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6482-4871)
Institutions
- San Bernardino Valley College (US)
- Loyola Marymount University (US)
- California State University, San Bernardino (US)
- New York University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- New Directions for Community Colleges
- Published
- 2026-07-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/cc.70060
- Primary Topic
- Service-Learning and Community Engagement
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Spencer Foundation
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities