Abstract
The authors paint a national portrait of Latina/o trends over more than 30 years in terms of demographic and financial concerns that pertain to access at 4-year institutions. Using a multiple policy streams framework, the authors contend that growing numbers of Latina/os are in the eye of the perfect storm in a global economy that calls for more skilled workers at the same time that there are significant policy shifts converging in college finance. Trends over time reveal that Latina/os have remained more sensitive to financial assistance than non-Hispanic Whites in deciding where to go to college. The data also reveal several alarming trends that indicate Latina/os are not benefiting from policy directions established in the past. Realizing the potential for a new policy window of opportunity to reverse adverse effects for Latina/os will be key to the vitality of the nation.
Topics
Socioeconomic Status
Federal Policy
Demographics