Date Approved
5-27-2026
Embargo Period
5-27-2027
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Monica Reid Kerrigan, Ed.D
Committee Member 1
James Coaxum, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
MaryBeth Walpole, Ph.D.
Disciplines
Education | Educational Leadership
Abstract
Abstract Rong Xiao LATINX COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF A SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND PROGRAM 2025-2026 Monica Reid Kerrigan, Ed. D. Doctor of Education This qualitative case study examined how Latinx community college students perceive and experience a sense of belonging within the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program at a Hispanic-Serving community college in the northeastern United States. Although Latinx enrollment in community colleges has increased steadily, completion rates remain below national benchmarks, highlighting the need to better understand factors influencing persistence and student success. Guided by the theoretical framework of sense of belonging, the study explored how Latinx students perceive their social connections and academic support within the EOF program. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the Latinx community college students and supplemented by document analysis. Thematic analysis identified three themes shaping students’ perceptions of belonging: supportive relationships, program structure, and academic growth and motivation. Participants described the EOF program as a supportive environment where consistent advising, structured communication, and academic resources strengthened their confidence and motivation to persist. These findings suggest that structured support programs can play a key role in fostering belonging and supporting Latinx student persistence in community colleges.
Recommended Citation
Xiao, Rong, "LATINX COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF A SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND PROGRAM" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 3520.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3520
