Beyond Traditional STEM Success Measures: Predictors of Social Agency and Conducting Research for Social Change

• In Event: Focus on STEM

Abstract

This study uses a national sample of 6,341 STEM bachelor’s degree recipients to examine the influence of college experiences and contexts on their long-term social agency and value toward conducting research that will have a meaningful impact on underserved communities. Findings show that background characteristics, individual-level experiences with peers and faculty, as well as contextual environments shaped by peers and STEM faculty significantly relate to STEM bachelor’s degree recipients long-term outcomes. The study has implications for creating teaching and learning environments in STEM to help achieve institutional goals of preparing STEM students for meaningful participation in a diverse democracy.

Author

• Juan Carlos Garibay, University of Virginia