Mentoring Impact on the Academic and Personal Journeys of Latinx Students at an HSI

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: HSIs and STEM: Supporting Latina/o/x Students (Table 1)

Abstract

The increasing diversity of students in higher education institutions, particularly of the Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI), calls for better opportunities and educational experiences for their success. A STEM mentoring program at an HSI was created to provide a safe space in which students could find an opportunity to grow and develop academically, socially, emotionally, and professionally. The program's main components are 1) culturally relevant mentoring with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who share and understand sociocultural aspects and 2) research involvement within students’ disciplines and research interests. Through surveys and interviews, student mentees reflected on their presence, influence, and motivation to progress toward their academic goals.

Authors

• Hilda Cecilia Contreras Aguirre, New Mexico State University

• Luis Rodolfo Garcia Carrillo, New Mexico State University