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University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education Faculty Research
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Broadened Possibilities: Undocumented Community College Student Course Enrollment After The California Dream Act, Federick Ngo, Juanita K. Hinojosa
Broadened Possibilities: Undocumented Community College Student Course Enrollment After The California Dream Act, Federick Ngo, Juanita K. Hinojosa
Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education Faculty Research
Some states have enacted inclusive policies that reduce constraints and uncertainty for undocumented students, potentially changing their academic decisions and postsecondary goals. We explore shifts in continuing undocumented community college students’ course-taking before and after the California DREAM Act, which provided access to state financial aid. We use difference-in-differences comparisons with permanent residents, refugees, and U.S. citizens who were unaffected by these policies to examine policy impacts. After its implementation, continuing students increased their enrollment intensity, primarily in degree-applicable and transferable courses, and decreased coursework in career/technical education. This suggests state financial aid may have broadened postsecondary possibilities and made …