Extending Science Identity Development Among Latinx Students: The Organizational Contexts of Hispanic-Serving Institutions

• In Event: Student Narratives Within STEM: Context, Learning, and Sense-Making

Abstract

This study addresses computing identity development for Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Based on a multiple case study including observations of and interviews with eighteen Latinx computing majors’ experiences at four HSI computer departments, we identify three themes. These themes are: (1) participation in co-curricular clubs, (2) encouragement from faculty and staff, and (3) experiences in professional socialization opportunities. Students described how these experiences afforded them expanded possibilities to recognize themselves as computer scientists. Because most research on Latinx experiences in computer science has taken place in Historically White Institutions, this study affords insights for future research and practice in Minority-Serving Institutions and the Historically White Institutions that want to learn from MSIs’ successful practices.

Authors

• Jessica Rivera, The Ohio State University

• Anne-Marie Nunez, The Ohio State University

• Igdalia Covarrubias, The Ohio State University - Columbus