Latina College Students in STEM Fields: Stories of Success in Texas

• In Event: STEM and Hispanics

Abstract

Retention and persistence for Latina students in the STEM fields in Texas is explored in this study. Resilience theory guides the formulation of preliminary hypotheses regarding the cultural reasons for these students’ retention and completion of a degree. The results from these students will be reported and their reasons will be established. Little is known about how culture, background, family support, and other factors shape the experiences of Latina students in the STEM fields toward completion of a college degree. The number of Hispanic college students in higher education is increasing while the number of students interested in the STEM fields decreases. Understanding how to support Latina students in STEM fields and complete their college degree is essential.

Authors

• Elsa M. Gonzalez y Gonzalez, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

• Joenie Myers, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi