Exploring the Mentorship Experiences of Black Female Undergraduate Students at a Predominantly White Institution

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session One
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT029 (Wednesday)

Abstract

Black women often face marginalization based on the intersections of race and sex. Higher education in the United States has also played a significant role in maintaining the status quo of intersectional oppression, particularly among Black women. This study explores how undergraduate Black female students navigate seeking mentorship at a PWI in the Midwest. Examining culturally responsive support as a key factor in Black women’s academic and social success. This study employs Narrative Inquiry, a qualitative research methodology. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of the experiences, challenges, and impact of mentorship on the academic journey of Black undergraduate women students. The study is grounded in Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Black Feminist Theory.

Author

• Onyebuchi Stephanie Ewa, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign