Exploring factors influencing the retention rates of Indigenous students in post-secondary education

Abstract

In comparison to Caucasian students, Indigenous students are outnumbered when it comes to enrollment in post-secondary education programs. Designated seats for Indigenous students often sit empty. With an aim to succeed academically, Indigenous students have had to develop a strong sense of resiliency and identity to overcome barriers to attend institutions of higher learning. Questions still remain as to why the seats are not being filled or what is preventing Indigenous students from enrolling in post-secondary education resonate among faculty and administrative leaders. Tinto’s model of persistence confirmed the importance of integrating social involvement in academia. Students need support to achieve academic success and personal satisfaction. Motivational factors consisting of specific family member encouragement and exploring a better way of life was seen as the main reason to enroll in post-secondary education. Limitations of support at the peer and institutional levels were seen as challenging for Indigenous students and often times had an impact on academic completion. Questions as to why the seats are not being filled or what is preventing Indigenous students from enrolling in higher education programs led to the purpose of this study.