Understanding the Mechanisms That Promote Success for a Culturally Tailored Research Experience Among Latinx College Students

• In Event: Investigating the Role of Research, Career Development, and Other High-Impact Practices in Higher Education

Abstract

This study aims to understand why participation in a culturally-tailored research program increased Latinx student college success. Participants were 23 Latinx STEM undergraduate students at a large, urban, public research university who participated in the program. Results from the student focus groups and interviews included six themes: increase sense of belonging, increased sense of cultural identity, connecting with other students about challenges with family, increase interpersonal skills, accessing campus resources and opportunities, and increased academic and professional skills. These findings demonstrate the success of the program was contingent upon both gaining skills, as well as the cultural components of belonging, identity, and family.

Authors

• Sue P Farruggia, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Georgina Enciso, University of Illinois - Chicago

• Carol R. Fendt, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Aixa Alfonso, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Veronica I Arreola, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Jorge Alberto Girotti, UIC College of Medicine

• Bernard Santarsiero, University of Illinois at Chicago