UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) selected a new book co-authored by College of Education professor Gilberto Q. Conchas as one of its books of the year. The book chronicles success stories of Mexican-descent college students in the United States.
Education professor's book recognized for focus on Hispanic issues
Conchas, the Wayne K. and Anita Woolfolk Hoy Endowed Professor of Education in the Department of Education Policy Studies, and Nancy Acevedo, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology at California State University, San Bernardino, are the authors of "The Chicana/o/x Dream: Hope, Resistance and Educational Success," which was published last fall by Harvard Education Press. Based on interview data, life testimonios, and Chicana feminist theories, “The Chicana/o/x Dream” profiles first-generation, Mexican-descent college students who have overcome adversity by utilizing various forms of cultural capital to power their academic success.
AAHHE represents professional academics, researchers, educators and students in the United States and focuses on issues affecting Hispanics in higher education. The AAHHE Book of the Year Award, presented annually at the organization’s national conference, is a celebration of Hispanic culture, history and research excellence. This year, AAHE will make awards in three categories: mid-career to senior scholar, edited volumes, and early career. Conchas’ and Acevedo’s book is in the mid-career to senior scholar category.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful that my book, ‘The Chicana/o/x Dream,’ has been recognized as the 2021 AAHHE book of the year in the senior scholar category,” said Conchas. “It is an even greater honor to be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honorees, all of whom have made important contributions to Latinx education. This recognition is a great testament to the first-generation college students who, through interviews and testimonials, shared their intimate struggles, successes and the human spirit. This book is for you, about you, and your journeys in the educational borderlands will inform future generations.”
The 2021 AAHE National Conference will be held virtually March 1-4. Conchas, Acevedos and their fellow honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony on March 2.
Conchas joined the Penn State College of Education in fall 2020, after previously serving as professor of educational policy and social context and founding director of Community Engagement & Student Success at the University of California, Irvine. He is the author and coauthor of nine books, including "The Color of Success: Race and High-Achieving Urban Youth" (2006); "Small Schools and Urban Youth: Using the Power of School Culture to Engage Youth" (2008); and "StreetSmart SchoolSmart: Urban Poverty and the Education of Boys of Color" (2012).