What Are the Experiences of Latinx STEM Baccalaureates?

• In Event: College Student Success in STEM

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to share a qualitative research study about Latinx STEM baccalaureates. The following questions were examined: What are the undergraduate educational experiences of Latinx students who major in STEM? What factors impact Latinx students’ decision to pursue STEM degrees? How do various forms of capital, specifically those identified in Yosso’s (2005) theory of Community Cultural Wealth, impact Latinx STEM undergraduates in their pursuit of a STEM degree? The design methods, rooted in Latino critical theory and Community Cultural Wealth, included: (1) semi-structured interviews of ten Latinx STEM baccalaureates (2) data analysis that focused on students’ challenges and cultural assets applied in attaining STEM. This study has implications for universities, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Author

• Marlene DeFrates, Loyola University Chicago