The lack of high school graduation and college enrollment can lead to limited prospects for career and college, leaving many with an uncertain future. For some Chicano/Latino males, choosing the military is an avenue to increase their access to needed training and benefits (Dempsey & Shapiro, 2009; Flanagan & Levine, 2010). With these structural barriers in mind, the purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the various factors that lead Chicano/Latino males to enlist in the military after high school graduation instead of matriculating into college. Results showed that students viewed the military as a way of upward social mobility and their most viable career option after completing high school. The study also highlights the lack of resources available to students who may not be viewed as college material by school personnel. Learn more about the Research Brief.
