The Experiences of African American Female Engineering Students: A Black Feminist Approach

• In Event: 60.075 - The Determination to Succeed

Abstract

The purpose of this black feminist narrative inquiry was to expose the experiences of African American female engineering students at a predominately white institution. Building from Malcom, Hall, and Brown’s (1976) landmark report, this qualitative study involved conducting academic life history interviews with nine participants, which revealed three themes shared across all participants. Themes included: just because you struggle, does not mean you should quit; engineering is something you cannot do alone; and I can be creative and do math and science? That’s cool! Themes directly reflected the major tenets of black feminist theory and identified obstacles that may be experienced as African American female engineering students pursue their degrees.

Author

• Rashunda L. Stitt, Howard University