A Blended Peer Mentoring Experience for Undergraduate Minority Mentees in STEM Programs at Two Historically Black Colleges/Universities

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Mentoring Approaches to Enhance Undergraduate Education

Abstract

A blended peer mentoring program for minority students in STEM degree programs was piloted at two historically black institutions (HBCUs). The program included peer mentoring of minority undergraduate mentees in STEM by minority graduate mentors in STEM. Mentees’ intent to persist in STEM degrees and careers, self-efficacy, and STEM career interest were measured and compared to a waitlist control group. The mentees had higher STEM achievement and career self-efficacy, higher interest in science, engineering, and mathematic careers, and higher intent to persist in their STEM degrees and a STEM career compared to the control group. Interviews and focus groups demonstrated that the experience had a direct impact on their beliefs, interests, and persistence.

Authors

• Jillian L Wendt, University of the District of Columbia

• Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw, University of Memphis