Funds of Labor Knowledge: Community College STEM Students Making Meaning of Their Work Experiences

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Enhancing STEM Engagement and Identity Formation (Table 7)

Abstract

The goal of this study is to explore what students identify and perceive as their funds of knowledge and funds of labor knowledge in relation to potential STEM careers and required skills. This qualitative study focuses on one STEM community college class taught by a faculty member who provided opportunities for students to connect their lived experiences and labor histories with STEM career development. Utilizing funds of knowledge, funds of identity, and funds of labor knowledge, this study seeks to contribute asset-based knowledge about the experiences of working STEM community college students. We center our work in the community college, institutions of access and affordability, providing opportunities for many students, including low-income students, students of color, and student parents (Varty, 2022).

Authors

• Brianna Wright, University of California - Los Angeles

• Grace Hae Rim Shin, University of California - Los Angeles

• Fernando Garcia, University of California - Los Angeles