Funds of Knowledge: Family, Collective Autonomy, and Academic Mentors

This study examines how first genertion students at a Hisoanic Serving Research Institution (HSRIs) in Southern California draw on thier funds of knowledge to navigate higher education. Despite the growth of Hispanic Setving Institutions (HSIs), limited research addresses how HSRI's serve Latinx student beyond access and enrollment. using a phenomenological approach, we analyzed interviews with 30 students to explore how cultural, familial, and commmunity resources informa engagement and learning. Three themes emerged: family support, collective autonomy, and mentorship from the academic community. Findings highlght how Latinx students' strength can inform culturlly sustaining practices that validate and leverage their knowledge within the HSRI context.