Exploring the Transition and First-Year Experiences of Engineering Students From Rural Areas

• In Event: Tackling Transfer: Community Colleges, Summer Melt, Rurality, and Public Universities

Abstract

Much of the current research on underrepresented students in STEM majors fails to acknowledge the unique challenges rural students face as they transition to college. This qualitative case study seeks to fill this gap by examining the transition and first-year experiences of rural students enrolled in engineering majors. We found that students’ access to advanced STEM coursework and STEM mentorship in high school, culture shock, and campus resources affected their transition to college. The findings of this research lend themselves to actionable steps for practitioners working to support rural students both in high schools and colleges as they move through the STEM pipeline.

Authors

• Rachel Worsham, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
  Presenting Author

• Ashley B. Clayton, Louisiana State University
  Presenting Author

• Joy Gaston Gayles, North Carolina State University
  Presenting Author