First-Year Seminars: Supporting Hispanic and Hispanic First-Generation Student Success in STEM Majors

• In Event: Enhancing First-Year Student Success: Insights From Programs and Courses

Abstract

Although careers in STEM fields are growing rapidly, there is an ongoing shortage of people who are successfully enrolling in and completing degrees necessary to fill these positions. This is especially true for students of color and for first-generation students (FGS). The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an academically, rigorous first-year seminar and academic achievement for Hispanic (n = 500) and Hispanic FGS (n = 400) in STEM majors. Results showed significantly higher first-term GPAs (more than a 0.3 difference on a 4-point scale), and significantly higher one-year persistence (as much as 10% difference) and graduation rates (as high as 20% difference) for both groups.

Authors

• Angela L. Vaughan, University of Northern Colorado

• Wayne J. South, University of Northern Colorado