The Persistence of African American Students in STEM at Predominantly White Universities

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Science Teaching and Learning: Equity and Social Justice in Science Education

Abstract

Factors that influenced African Americans to persist within their scientific major while matriculating at a predominantly White university guided the focus of this study. The study explored the perceptions of African Americans that were persistent within with their scientific major in order to gain a better understanding of what steps could be taken for the retention and encouragement of more African Americans in these fields at a predominantly White university. The study explored other factors besides intelligence that promoted the success of African Americans in scientific fields.

Authors

• André M. Green, University of South Alabama

• Brenda R. Brand, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• George E. Glasson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University