The Role of Summer Research Programs in Building Students’ Graduate School Efficacy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Retention, Persistence, Outcomes

Abstract

Summer research programs offer undergraduate students critical exposure to the world of research and science. However, less is known about the role of such programs in preparing students for graduate school. Supportive research experiences are essential for building the next generation of scientists, and those experiences are especially crucial for students from marginalized backgrounds, many of whom persist in higher education despite state and federal obstacles. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of a summer research program on students’ graduate school efficacy. Findings from this qualitative study illustrate how a summer research program at a research-intensive university enhanced graduate school efficacy through intrapersonal motivation, research experience, and foundational support structures.

Authors

• Jeffrey K. Grim, George Mason University

• Dianna Alvarado, University of Michigan

• Cris Berry, George Mason University

• Missy Fuentes Delgado, University of Michigan