Leaps of Faith

<p>As discourses and programming to support diversity and inclusion across higher education are intensifying <em>Leaps of Faith: Stories from Working-Class Academics </em>presents a collection of narratives that highlights the “on-the-ground” experiences of working-class students and scholars. These are stories of negotiation transition and challenge. These are stories of struggle. These are stories of beating the odds.<br /><br />The early works of Ryan and Sackrey (1984) Sennett and Cobb (1993) and Dews and Law (1996) raised the voices of working-class academics and the subject of class in higher education has gained traction—especially with the increasing focus on the enrollment and persistence of first-generation college students. This project situates contributor stories in adult learning and development with the goal of enhancing dialogue and increasing understanding of a still-hidden population in the academy. <em>Leaps of Faith: Stories from Working-Class Academics </em>is a compelling collection of reflections from working-class students and scholars from diverse demographic and geographic backgrounds who are currently navigating various transition points and career stages.<br /><br /><em>Leaps of Faith: Stories from Working-Class Academics </em>presents the strengths and gifts of the scholar-contributors and the opportunity to “turn the stories” through accessible and meaningful reflective “telling.” The collection concludes with a discussion of salient implications for working-class students and scholars those who support their learning and development and higher education institutions and programs.</p><p> </p>