Leakage or Blockage? Losing Underrepresented Students in the STEM Pipeline

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Examining STEM Students' Higher Education Trajectories (Table 30)

Abstract

Most workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields identify as white or Asian Americans. While colleges have initiatives to address the need for more representation in these fields, these approaches have shown limited success. State-level efforts could boost these efforts. This study explores a state-level STEM pipeline. Underrepresented students who begin at a community college are the least likely to earn a bachelor's and a graduate degree. At the same time, research-focused institutions have more students who earn bachelor’s and graduate degrees in STEM. Students eligible for Pell grants are less likely to earn a degree in a STEM field. Institutional support may not be sufficient in supporting all who seek an occupation in a STEM field.

Author

• Brett D. Campbell, Utah System of Higher Education