Revealing STEM Internship Experiences: Participation, Intersectional Discrimination by Race and Gender, and Impacts on Outcomes (Poster 44)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 1:30 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Higher Education

Abstract

This study investigates barriers in securing STEM internships and examines discrimination against underrepresented interns and impacts on student outcomes through the lens of social/cultural capital and the model minority myth. 1,570 responses were used for various quantitative analyses, and 26 open-ended responses were used for qualitative analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding with an intersectional approach. Asian students, higher GPA, those in higher socioeconomic status, and full-time status are more likely to secure STEM internships, where significant racial and gender disparities exist. Discriminated students, regardless of race and gender, had lower career development, satisfaction, and less networking opportunities than non-discriminated counterparts. These findings highlight the urgent need to address these disparities and support underrepresented students in STEM internships.

Author

• Hee Song, University of Wisconsin - Madison