Developing transfer pride: an exploration of critical race pedagogy and the Summer Transfer Enrichment Program

This study examined the critical race pedagogy of the Summer Transfer Enrichment Program (STEP) over a 5-year span and how the curriculum and supplemental academic programming aided in the development of a positive transfer identity for its participants. A mixed method convergent parallel design approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data in the forms of surveys and focus groups. Fifty-six students, the majority Latinx, responded to the survey along with 22 students in focus groups. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and a reiterative thematic coding process. Students shared how their summer courses and additional workshops and speakers reflected critical race pedagogy, how they experienced racial isolation and discrimination once they transferred to a 4-year campus, and ultimately how they built a strong sense of transfer pride. Based on the study's findings, we encourage universities and colleges to build a more supportive transfer receptive culture that centralizes race and offers critical pedagogical spaces in its outreach efforts.

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