GENERATION 1.5 Students in Canada

In Canada, the generation 1.5 university student demographic is just beginning to become noteworthy of research. Several quantitative studies on the university adjustment of children of immigrants exist, but qualitative research is scarce. This study aimed to reveal the voices and experiences of nine generation 1.5 youth who experienced the university system in Canada. In addition, it aimed to survey the language and literacy programming at three post secondary institutions in Manitoba. Through multiple case study research and archival research analysis this study shows that participants were challenged in meeting the demands of some university level tasks that required cognitive academic language proficiency or CALP. The institutional survey showed that two of the three institutions attended by participants provide academic language support for domestic students whose first language is not English. Even so, most programming does not target this group specifically. This study shows a need for further research and support that will shed light on the specific academic literacy and language needs of generation 1.5 students in post secondary institutions