Work, Community College, and the STEM Pipeline

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: High School to College and Beyond: Aspirations, Preparation, and Transitions

Abstract

This study explores opportunities where STEM degree talent may exist, yet remains untapped. Through a descriptive study on working community college students pursuing STEM degrees, this research identifies enrollment patterns across institutional levels for working students, as well as transfer rates among working students by race and ethnicity. Results indicate students working over 10 hours per week are enrolled at public 2-year colleges at a higher rate for all students, while Black and Latinx students are enrolled at public 2-year colleges at a higher rate regardless of work status. Transfer rates are higher for students working under 10 hours per week than those working over 10 hours per week in STEM disciplines. Policy implications for this research are discussed.

Authors

• Hector Vicente Ramos, University of California - Los Angeles

• Julio Fregoso, San Diego State University