Improving STEM Graduation Rates Through a Multifaceted Scholarship Program at an R1 Institution

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Thirteen
  In Roundtable Session: Centering STEM in Student Assessment (Table 6)

Abstract

Research shows that attrition in STEM majors is higher than other areas and is magnified for low-income and underrepresented students. Though high impact practices - including research, mentoring, professional development, and scholarships - may be effective in improving major retention, research overlooks the impact of combining these practices on student persistence in STEM majors. A study of 29 low-income biology, chemistry, and mathematics majors who participated in a scholarship program providing these high impact practices resulted in 22 (76%) graduating in their original major. This is greater than the comparison group graduation rate (52%), with larger gaps between rates for underrepresented populations. Mixed-methods results are presented along with implications for the structuring of similar programs at large, public, R1, PWIs.

Authors

• Jennifer McNeilly, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Presenting Author

• Elise McCarren, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  Presenting Author

• Gretchen Adams, Carroll University
  Non-Presenting Author