ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the approach to equity-minded assessment, applying a participatory action research methodology at a predominantly White institution in the Midwest during a highly xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and anti-Latinx climate. An equity-minded approach to program assessment and evaluation can accomplish such positionality for students within the research process. As a field, student affairs is devoted to those experiences and serving students, whether with their academics, accessing campus resources, preparing for a career, developing their multiple identities, or exploring other passions outside the classroom. Considering the centering of students in student affairs, youth participatory action research is an ideal model for conducting equity-minded assessment in student affairs and positioning students to confront institutional inequities in higher education. The Alma Leadership Program empowered Latinx under-graduates to pursue research interests that most impacted them and their communities. As students partner with the researcher, the decision-making to conduct research is nonhierarchical with students and adults considered equals as researchers.
