Shifts in Latinx Youths’ Engineering Identity

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Expanding Research on Latinas/os/x in STEM (Table 25)

Abstract

A disparity in STEM enrichment opportunities for Latinx youth persists due in part to their disproportionate participation in the workforce. However, exploring STEM programs that foster STEM identity and elucidate the understudied connections between workplace and school learning could uncover methods of facilitating increased STEM participation. Therefore, we explore the implementation of our culturally responsive engineering education program within the school day to foster engineering identity. Pre/post surveys using the Engineering Identity Scale were conducted to measure shifts in competence, interest, and recognition. The results showed significant improvements in all aspects of engineering identity, particularly in competence and interest. This research contributes to our larger efforts in identifying effective strategies for increasing engagement of Latinx youth in STEM disciplines.

Authors

• Tyler Hansen, Utah State University

• Camila Castro, Utah State University

• Lori Hart, Utah State University

• Alfonso Torres Rua, Utah State University

• Colby Tofel-Grehl, Teachers College, Columbia University