Peer Coaching Program Development: First-Year Hispanic and Latina/o Student Persistence Pursuing STEM Pathways

• In Event: 43.078 - MTCC Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: 43.078-10 - Latinxs and STEM

Abstract

This study developed an intrusive peer coaching program at a private four-year master’s degree granting Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in South Texas. The coaching program was intended to support and promote persistence among first year STEM Hispanic and Latina/o students. The program focused on enhancing first year Hispanic and Latina/o student experiences through social and academic integration employing upperclassmen STEM students with similar demographics as peer coaches. Intrusive peer coaching support services were piloted with its first cohort of 45 incoming students, 58% of which were first generation. Findings indicated peer coaches positively supported and connected first year students to the university environment. Additionally, findings also suggested a relationship between student support services and student persistence in STEM pathways.

Authors

• Carmen Cruz, Saint Mary's University of San Antonio

• Geetu Rajpal, Saint Mary's University of San Antonio

• Michael Lecocke

• Ian Martines, Saint Mary's University of San Antonio

• Anna Lurie, Saint Mary's University of San Antonio