Counter Mere Exposure: Animating Critical Dimensions of Intentionality and Transformation within a STEM-Medicine Program

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Healing, Sovereignty, and Relational Justice in Higher Education

Abstract

Scholars advocate for culturally relevant out-of-school enrichment opportunities to support Latine/x and Black/African American students in STEM-M pathways. However, less is known about the individuals who direct and lead decision-making program initiatives. Through a case study approach, authors illuminate how intentionality in a STEM-M pathway program supported minoritized students to engage in transformational resistance and validated them as holders and creators of knowledge. We describe a model that emerged from the interrogation of a program’s multi-faceted components that consists of four dimensions of intentionality in STEM-M pathways necessary to transform students’ journeys at the secondary level. More research is needed on how program leaders embrace their role to mitigate, disrupt, and dismantle systemic oppression through culturally responsive programs.

Authors

• Janet Rocha, Arizona State University

• Brian Cabral, University of Texas at Austin

• Mara Lopez, Arizona State University