Beating the Odds: The Struggle and Empowerment of Female Engineering Students

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-1 - Claiming a Space: Increasing Paths to Achievement for Women in STEM

Abstract

The past few decades have seen an increase in the number of women entering into STEM fields, particularly engineering. Despite this increase, women and minorities continue to be disproportionately represented in the engineering disciplines. This study This study examines the academic experiences of Black and Hispanic women who are engineering majors and are attending Minority Serving Institutions. Results from focus group data indicate that women who persist are regularly confronted with prejudice and having to prove their equality in classrooms. In spite of these conditions, female engineering students are persevering through their experience by developing a sense of empowerment. It is apparent from this study that students are overcoming adversity and staying motivated, by continuing to beat the odds.

Authors

• Dawn G. Williams, Howard University

• Silas Burris, Howard University

• Lorraine Fleming, Howard University

• Inez Moore, Howard University

• Porsche Boddicker, Howard University

• Porsche Boddicker, Howard University