Latina/o STEM Pathway Across the Plains: Development of Underrepresented Minority Students' STEM Identity and Self-Efficacy

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: What Diversity Means in STEM Programs

Abstract

Researchers engaged in a longitudinal, multiple-methods study within a cross-institutional, STEM partnership program between one research university and three Hispanic Serving Institution (HSIs) community colleges. This study focused on experiences of underrepresented minority (URM) students’ STEM and college education self-efficacy, STEM identity, and commitment to STEM careers following their participation in an eight-week summer research immersion program. Data revealed clear shifts (both negative and positive) in students’ perceptions and aspirations as well as key personal and programmatic factors contributing to these shifts, based on participant narratives over time. Data pointed to responsibility that led to autonomy, relevance, and understanding the realities of STEM as salient themes, as well as the important of having a URM community present to their success.

Authors

• Amanda Morales, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Brenee King, Kansas State University