Historically Black Colleges and Universities as Resource to Advancing STEM Diversity

• In Event: Do You Really Care? Learning Environments That Shape Student Outcomes

Abstract

This research will help us gain a deeper level of insight into the institutional characteristics that are optimal for the success of undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This primary quantitative study, employed surveys to gather undergraduate student views and perspectives about STEM learning environments on their campuses. Almost 3,000 responses were received from undergraduate STEM majors (83% Black, 62% women, 29% seniors, 25% freshmen and juniors, respectively) at 30 HBCUs. Information from this study revealed important characteristics attributable to HBCUs success in educating Black undergraduate students who ultimately pursue and obtain doctoral degrees in STEM.

Authors

• Ivory A. Toldson, Howard University

• Mahlet Megra, American Institutes for Research

• Mercy Mugo, QEM Network

• Cynthia Overton, Kapor Center

• Jennifer O. Hudson, American Institutes for Research