Minority-Serving Community Colleges and the Production of STEM Associate Degrees

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Postsecondary STEM 2

Abstract

The scarcity of students in STEM majors has resulted in initiatives to generate awareness, access, and success in these fields, with an emphasis on minorities in MSIs. The disproportionate enrollment of Asian, African-American, Hispanic, and Native American students at community colleges provides an opportunity for promoting STEM, but little research describes MSI community colleges and their contribution to the minority STEM pipeline. This paper adds to existing research on MSIs and the minority STEM pipeline by including contributions of 2-year MSIs on minority receipt of STEM associates degrees and sub-baccalaureate certificates. We highlight STEM and non-STEM completions at 2-year colleges by racial/ethnic group at MSIs and nonMSIs, concluding with policy implications noting how MSIs can contribute increases in STEM achievement.

Authors

• Frances K. Stage, New York University

• Valerie C. Lundy-Wagner, Teachers College-Columbia University

• Ginelle John, New York University

• Katherine Mary Conway, Borough of Manhattan Community College - CUNY