College Success for Students of Color: A Culturally Empowered, Assets-Based Approach

“An essential tool kit for young people of color who are considering postsecondary education but are unsure how to make it work for them.” ―Christine E. Sleeter, author of Transformative Ethnic Studies in Schools

“I needed this book when I was a young Native student thinking about going to college.” ―Tiffany S. Lee, University of New Mexico

“As a Latina and the first in my family to graduate from high school, I wish I would have had this book to help me successfully navigate college.” ―Margarita Bianco, CU Denver

This one-of-a-kind, “how-to” guide is designed to help Indigenous Students and Students of Color (ISOC) thrive in postsecondary education.

College Success for Students of Color spotlights the personal and cultural capital ISOCs bring with them on their postsecondary educational journey. It will help students identify, strengthen, and use these assets so that success in higher education is not only possible but inevitable.

Written by faculty and administrators of color, from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, this guide contains insider advice and strategies to help ISOCs successfully navigate the challenges they might face wherever their postsecondary journey takes them. Through stories and relatable vignettes that help readers envision themselves in the book, this easy-to-use, interactive resource includes features such as Professional Tips, Think Alone/Think Together discussion prompts, and skill-building end-of-chapter activities that help students to develop their assets and hone their skills.

Designed to help ISOCs thrive in postsecondary education as their full authentic selves, this book is a guide that can be returned to at any point along one’s postsecondary journey.

Book Features:

• Perspectives, ideas, and advice that address the unique experiences that Indigenous and Students of Color are likely to have in postsecondary institutions.
• Written collaboratively by a diverse group of faculty and administrators of color representing a variety of academic disciplines including law, education, ethnic and women studies, and English.
• A user-friendly format that students can easily navigate to address their needs as they plan and attend postsecondary education.
• Appropriate for students attending or considering a variety of postsecondary options, including technical schools, community college, or a 4-year college or university.

Francisco A. Rios is professor and dean emeritus of Woodring College of Education, Western Washington University. Jacquelyn L. Bridgeman is Kepler Professor of Law at the University of Wyoming. Angela M. Jaime is vice provost, Indigenous engagement, and professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Kevin Roxas is a professor and dean of Woodring College of Education, Western Washington University. Caskey Russell is a professor and dean of Fairhaven College, Western Washington University.