Understanding Minority Student Participation and Excellence in STEM Disciplines and Fields

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

This symposium presents research that addresses racial and ethnic minority student participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and fields. Findings from student enrollment data show that fewer than 10% of racial and ethnic minorities, specifically African American/Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian students successfully complete college degrees in STEM, yet these racial and ethic groups are predicted to represent 50% of the U.S. workforce by 2030. The U.S. educational system and labor market can implement programs, interventions, and education policy changes to respond to the lack of minority participation in STEM. In this symposium the panelists present data on trends in students majoring in STEM disciplines, examine how programs and efforts of scientific societies and professional associations address STEM participation, and discuss evaluation findings from a longstanding program aimed at mentoring and developing scholars in the social sciences. Each panelists offer recommendations for policy and for further research in these areas.

Sub Unit

• Social Justice Action Committee

Chair

• Michael T. Nettles, ETS

Papers

• Current Trends of Minorities in STEM Fields - Lorenzo L. Esters, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

• Enhancing Diversity in Science: The Role of Professional Associations and Scientific Societies - George L. Wimberly, American Educational Research Association

• Mentoring, Networks, and Underrepresented Minorities in the Science Pipeline - Olga V. Mayorova, American Sociological Association