African American Students' Experiences in STEM Education: An Ecological Systems Approach

• In Event: 58.082 - Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 58.082-17 - STEM the Tide: Ensuring the Success of Black Students in STEM

Abstract

This study explores the experiences and perceptions of 17 African American, high school seniors’ enrolled in STEM programs. Using the ecological systems approach, we identified several variables at the ontogenic, microsystem, and macrosystem levels, which affected these students as they explored their academic programs and career interests. We demonstrate that environmental factors, such as counseling and family, played a substantial role in impacting their career interests, experiences, and perceptions in their pursuits of STEM fields of study. Implications for educators, policy makers, and school counselors are discussed.

Authors

• Hongryun Woo, University of Louisville

• Na Mi Bang, University of Central Arkansas

• Malik S. Henfield, University of San Francisco

• Junfei Lu, The University of Alabama