Matthew Ramirez-Molina
Research Mentor(s): Sarai Blanco Martinez
Mentor Department: Combined Program of Education and Psychology
Authors: Matthew Ramirez-Molina, Sarai Blanco Martinez
Session: Session 6 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 31
Abstract
Despite the vast research on immigrant communities in the United States, voices of Latinx immigrant-origin youth remain underrepresented, particularly in matters involving institutional and structural barriers in community and educational settings. This study analyzes qualitative data from ¡Unidos en Acción!, a participatory program that spanned across 10 interactive sessions that utilized photovoice methodology to capture lived experiences of youth participants. Photovoice, a community-based research approach, allows for participants to reflect and document their experiences, or interactions, with educational institutions, government agencies, and broader societal structures. Using the Rapid and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR) technique, the current study aims to understand how Latinx immigrant-origin youth experience and respond to structural and institutional barriers within their community and education settings. Thematic analyses suggest that participants experience challenges in educational settings and government agency interactions, and they respond to these challenges by exhibiting notable resilience through community and peer support, and connecting to their cultural identities. The study’s findings contribute to thorough discussions on educational equity and the rights of LatinX immigrant-origin youth by contributing to nuanced knowledge of how LatinX youth traverse their environments and confront systemic injustices. By highlighting their experiences, the research adds insight to existing knowledge regarding how support systems can be altered so that policymakers, educators, and community organizations can better tackle the unique challenges, or barriers faced by LatinX immigrant-origin youth. Ultimately, the study aims to amplify the voices of LatinX immigrant-origin youth, providing support, such as increased awareness and policy reforms that promote inclusion and social justice.
