Project Overview 

Project Overview

Project Background

• Nearly two-thirds of African Americans who attend college in California begin their postsecondary journeys at a community college, yet they are not being provided the supports necessary to succeed, as evidenced by the fact that over 60% wind up leaving without earning a degree or certificate or transferring to a university. Decreasing the existing racial inequities in transfer rates is a key strategy for increasing income equality.

• In the first phase of our Through the Gate project, results revealed that while African American/Black students were less likely to make it “near the transfer gate,” among those who did reach this milestone, they were significantly more likely to transfer than their peers. In fact, when compared to White students, African American/Black students were 2.04 times more likely to transfer than remain near the gate and 1.17 times more likely to transfer than to remain at the gate.

• This finding presents an alternative narrative to some common perceptions about academic achievement among African American/Black students. However, too few African American/Black students are making it to this point in the first place. Thus, we sought to understand the programs, practices, and factors that facilitate or hinder university transfer among African American/Black community college students.

Project Plan

• In the first year of the project, we conducted a quantitative analysis of student course-taking patterns and unit completion thresholds to identify key transition points in their transfer journey. This analysis was followed by qualitative assessment (via interviews/focus groups with students and administrators) to identify programs and practices that bolster or hinder transfer outcomes. In year two, we administered a systemwide survey to African-American students at key points in their academic journey to develop a comprehensive understanding of the many variables influencing their transfer journeys and ultimate success. The results from all these analyses were summarized in a series of materials, followed by outreach and engagement — developing practical resources to support efforts to improve African-American transfer outcomes.

• In year two, we administered a systemwide survey to African American/Black students at key points in their academic journeys to develop a comprehensive understanding of the many variables influencing their transfer journeys and ultimate success.

• The results from all these analyses were summarized in a series of materials, followed by outreach and engagement—developing practical resources to support efforts to improve African American/Black transfer outcomes.

• This project includes an Advisory Committee consisting of

  • Transfer leaders working at the campus and system levels;

  • Leaders who are committed to equitable student outcomes;

  • Individuals with expertise overseeing African American/Black student programs;

  • Researchers with a focus on racial inequities in postsecondary outcomes; and

  • Most importantly, students who are currently on the transfer journey or have successfully transferred.