Basic Needs Insecurity and Belonging Among STEMM Community College Students

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 3:45 pm
  In Poster Session: Motivating and Motivated: Experiences, Contexts, and Socializers

Abstract

This study examines how basic needs insecurity and social belonging shape community college students’ persistence, especially within STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields. Drawing on the concepts of social fit and resource fit from Browman’s (2025) model of belonging, we analyze survey data from 976 students at an urban Midwestern community college. Results show that transportation and mental health challenges were negatively associated with belonging and persistence, while use of campus resources was positively associated with belonging. Findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches to address both social and resource fit and support STEMM pathways. We discuss how interdisciplinary research collaborations support both students and institutions holistically.

Authors

• Stacy J. Priniski, Temple University

• Renu Kumar, Minneapolis College

• Leanne Davis, University of Washington

• MG Hodge, Temple University

• Renny Osuna Perla, Temple University

• Jennifer Michelle Johnson, Temple University