The influence of social capital and resiliency on post secondary education attainment: a retrospective case study of Latina teenage mothers

This qualitative multiple-case study examined factors that contributed to five Latina teenage mothers’ success in obtaining a post-secondary education. A demographic survey, individual interviews and focus group interviews were used retrospectively to gain insight from the participants regarding their perceptions of the challenges and assisting factors in completing high school, and, in earning a college degree. Exploring the stories of successful degreed Latinas aimed to identify factors that could contribute to their resiliency to overcome barriers. This study seeks to identify specific strategies, resilience factors, and practices that contributed to their accomplishments. The findings showed the social capital behind the Latinas’ success in accomplishing their goal was their family and school system coupled with their resiliency.