Date of Graduation

2013

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

International and Multicultural Education

Program

International & Multicultural Education EdD

First Advisor

Shabnam Koirala-Azad

Second Advisor

Emma Fuentes

Third Advisor

Gerdenio Manuel

Abstract

Casa de la Solidaridad has been recognized as an innovative and effective educational model within Jesuit higher education yet, until now, there have only been verbal presentations of the unique attributes of the Casa de la Solidaridad model. In addition, there has been a lack of information regarding the influence of the Casa experience on the lives of alumni. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to thoroughly describe and document the unique attributes of the Casa de la Solidaridad model, and 2) to provide some insight into how the Casa program has influenced the lives of Casa alumni. This mixed method study gathered both qualitative and quantitative data in order to answer the research questions. A qualitative case study was conducted in order to document and describe the unique attributes of the Casa de la Solidaridad educational model. Survey research investigated qualitatively and quantitatively how the Casa experience has influenced the lives of Casa alumni. This research demonstrated that the Casa de la Solidaridad educational model fosters well-educated solidarity. This was evidenced not only by the students' written responses but also by how they are living their lives. In addition, the findings demonstrated that the Casa model successfully supported students' exploration of their spirituality, something that is vital to Jesuit higher education, and influenced their vocational decisions in ways that kept students connected to people suffering from the effects of poverty. It is recommended, therefore, that leaders in Jesuit higher education explore ways they can leverage the large and robust international network of Jesuit colleges and universities and create a sustainable network of Casa programs.

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