A Qualitative Case Study of Historically Underserved Community College Students’ Experiences in Information Technology Programs

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Abstract

Information Technology (IT) programs lead to various financial and non-financial benefits for students who graduate and enter the IT workforce. Unfortunately, women and racially minoritized students are substantially less likely to graduate from IT programs and enter the IT workforce. This qualitative case study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of female and racially underrepresented IT community college students. We draw upon semi-structured interviews with 83 female and racially underrepresented IT students at a high-enrollment community college. Findings reveal that female and racially underrepresented students highlighted a variety of barriers faced while enrolled in IT coursework, including considerable challenges with online education, inefficient course-taking patterns, and limited built-in experiences designed to prepare students for the IT workforce.

Authors

• Rachel Dean Divaker, University of Florida

• Justin C. Ortagus, University of Florida