Voices of Resilience: Latinas in STEM at a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-16 - Student Resiliency and Agency in STEM

Abstract

The number of STEM graduates in the United States has reached critical levels and has gained national attention from The National Academy of Science (2005), National Governor’s Association (2007), National Research Council (2012), and the National Science Board (2007). This study shares the testimonios of Latinas seeking STEM careers and provides insight on keys to persistence in STEM majors at a large, predominantly white institution in Central Texas. Through their testimonios, their voices of resilience show the impact of community cultural wealth, as their science identity development story unfolds. The influence of la familia académica will also bring attention to the power of academic mentors these Latinas encountered along the educational pipeline.

Authors

• Carmen DeLas Mercedez, Alamo Colleges - District

• Veronica Pecero, The Ohio State University