From Deficits to Assets: Reframing Discussions About Underrepresented Students of Color Across Engineering Subfields

• In Event: 43.021 - From Barriers to Learning to Barriers for Learning

Abstract

The underrepresentation of Black and Latino students in engineering professions is often discussed. While there is a push to increase the number of Black and Latino engineers, we have limited information about 1) the subdisciplines that do relatively well in terms of degree production for students in these groups and 2) the institutions that produce the most Black and Latino engineers. Accordingly, this study seeks to better understand these success stories from an anti-deficit perspective. The findings highlight recent areas of growth in the number of degrees awarded to Black and Latino students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Furthermore, we emphasize the important role of minority-serving institutions in the production of engineering awards to Black and Latino graduates.

Authors

• Krystal L. Williams, The University of Alabama

• Eugene Anderson, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities