Forming Cultural Connections: The Power of Peer Mentorship for Latinas 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

Latinas are graduating college at higher rates than before, but they are still underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs and careers. One method to tackle challenges that can affect the persistence of Latinas in STEM programs is mentorship. Keeping this in mind, we were guided by a research question: What types of successful mentoring strategies do Latinas develop in their pursuit of a college STEM degree at an HSI in Texas? Our data analysis utilized a model of Latina/o resilience as its theoretical framework. Three themes, or strategies, emerged from the data: a) connection through shared cultural experiences, b) seeking other Latinas in STEM, and c) moving from mentorship into friendship.

Authors

• Jacqueline White, Texas A&M University

• Emma Claudia Perez, Texas A&M University

• Elsa M. Gonzalez, Texas A&M University