Chapter 12: Early Intervention Matters: Towards a Path of High Achievement for Latino Middle School Males

Research on Latina/o college access largely ignores the critical pre-high school years. This chapter focuses on the importance of early intervention to examine the academic aspirations of high-achieving Latino middle school boys. Using social and cultural capital theories as a framework, the authors explore how implementing a curriculum including early college exposure and academic support influenced students’ future aspirations. Eight Latino males from a high-performing middle school were observed and interviewed over the course of 16 months. Findings suggest that interventions like that of the study may allow students to a) engage academically, b) develop confidence in their academic ability and c) feel ready to transition to high school. Recommendations are provided to engage and prepare students on an early path towards college.