Cross-Cultural Understanding of Hispanic Undergraduate Students Living in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

This chapter explores the unique challenges faced by Hispanic undergraduate transfronterizos students including their border identities and experiences at a particular Hispanic-Serving Institution. These students often balance multiple identities, such as being caretakers, employees, and commuters, which play a significant role in shaping their academic identity. Highlighting two National Science Foundation-funded programs at New Mexico State University (NMSU)—the Research-Oriented Learning Experiences (ROLE) and Latinos en Comunidad—Latinidad STEM Mentoring—this chapter underscores the importance of culturally relevant mentoring and community-building activities. These programs provide vital support through technical skill development, community engagement, and cultural celebrations. The findings revealed that transfronterizo students benefit when their cultural assets and unique experiences are acknowledged and integrated into academic and extracurricular activities. Therefore, this chapter calls for higher education institutions, particularly HSIs, to adopt practices that foster cultural competence, empathy, and inclusivity. Recommendations include incorporating culturally relevant activities, diverse leadership, skill development opportunities, and a supportive community environment. In emphasizing social justice and “servingness,” the chapter advocates for comprehensive and culturally relevant support systems to enhance the academic and personal success of Hispanic students in the border region.