Enhancing the First-Year Experience of Latina Students in STEM: Identifying Effective Support Interventions

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 10:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Barriers and Bridges in STEM Graduate Programs (Table 11)

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the first-year experiences of Latina students who entered college with the intention to major in STEM at a newly designated HSI. Findings suggest that Latina students attributed their sense of belonging to seeing and forming connections with peers from similar backgrounds in their STEM courses. The study also revealed mixed responses regarding the effectiveness of the first-year interventions implemented by the institution. While some students used the interventions to form connections with peers, tutors, and advisors from similar backgrounds, others found them unhelpful in mitigating the challenges they faced in their STEM courses and even felt pressured by the interactions these activities created.

Authors

• Jihye Lee, Hunter College - CUNY

• Nicora Placa, Hunter College - CUNY

• Christine Nick, Hunter College - CUNY