Considerations on the Recruitment, Retention, and Graduation of Latina STEM Students in Texas: Why Not?

• In Event: Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Hispanic Science and Other Issues

Abstract

Exploring the experiences of Latina students around college retention and persistence in STEM fields in Texas, we formulated preliminary hypotheses regarding the cultural reasons for these students’ recruitment, retention and graduation. We will report findings that students and faculty report; and what students construct as their reasons. There is little information about how culture, background, family support, etc. shape the experiences of Latina students complete a college degree in the STEM fields. With an increasing number of Hispanic college students in states like Texas (with higher female representation), and the decreased number of students interested in the STEM field, it is important to understand the reasons that might support a Latina student in completing her college degree.

Authors

• Elsa M. Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

• Yvonna S. Lincoln, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Marie A Valentin, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Detra DeVerne Johnson, Texas A&M University - College Station

• John LeCounte, Texas A&M University

• Celestino Valentin, Texas A&M University

• Christine A. Stanley, Texas A&M University - College Station