A Quantitative Investigation of Black and Latino College Students’ Sense of Belonging in STEM Fields

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 2:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Innovative Strategies for STEM Inclusivity and Success Among Black and Latinx College Students (Table 2)

Abstract

Black and Latino students remain underrepresented in STEM (NCSES, 2023). They are more likely than their White peers to struggle academically, change majors, or drop out (Bauer-Wolf, 2019). Also, unsupportive climates contribute to racialized gaps in STEM students’ enrollment and engagement. However, a sense of belonging can predict student success, especially for historically marginalized student groups (Strayhorn, 2019). Belonging is defined as the extent to which students feel accepted, respected, included, supported, and valued by others in the school environment (Strayhorn, 2019). For this discussion, data from over 600 Black and Latino STEM majors, attending 4-year institutions, was explored to understand the extent to which students’ interpersonal experiences, both on and off campus, influenced their sense of belonging. Recommendations for future educational policy, practice and research will be given.

Authors

• Terrell Lamont Strayhorn, Virginia Union University

• J'Quen Johnson, Do Good Work Consulting