Exploring Belonging and Cultural Competence Among Women of Color in Introductory STEM at HSI-Community College

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 11:45am
  In Poster Session: Div J, Section 4 Poster Session 1

Abstract

Women of Color (WOC) in STEM report lower sense of belonging (SOB), especially at two-year colleges where many racially minoritized students begin their STEM education. Few studies have critically examined how introductory general chemistry courses (IGCCs) often gatekeeping courses at community colleges (CCs) shape WOC’s academic and social belonging. This quantitative study investigates the SOB among STEM students in IGCC and how promotion of cultural competence supports belonging for students. Surveys from three terms (Fall 2023–Fall 2024) revealed WOC had significantly lower belonging than White peers, Latinas reporting the lowest SOB. Hierarchical regression showed cultural competence significantly predicted academic belonging when accounting for race and gender. Findings suggest the need for culturally relevant practices to improve WOC’s belonging in STEM.

Author

• Elizabeth Nguyen, San Diego State University