Empowering Non-traditional Foreign Language Students: Strategies from a Community College to Increase Completion and Retention

Abstract

Tarrant County College is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and it is composed of 6 campuses throughout the county. TCC serves students from a diverse population, including older, first generation, dual credit high school, commuter and working students. Since the great majority of our students are non-traditional and first time in college, our students face unique challenges to complete and stay engaged while attending TCC. To enhance and facilitate their success during their college experience, the Spanish department works diligently and collaborates with other disciplines, college offices, student organizations, and universities. This collaboration ensures that our students stay engaged, complete their degrees and transfer to 4-year institutions. This study will present practices that empower students. The Spanish Department has developed practices that enable us to collaborate with higher education institutions through our university campus visits, cultural workshops, and student affair activities. The goal of this study is to create an inclusive learning environment by facilitating successful strategies that empower all students during and beyond their college experience.