Multiple Identities, Disparate Experiences: Community College Student Pathways in STEM

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Increasing participation of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields continues to be a national priority. Although community colleges represent a diverse source of STEM talent, disparities remain. Student experiences and identities represent a significant but understudied facet of the community college STEM pathway. This session aims to explore a range of understudied community college student identities and experiences within and across STEM. The presenters will advance a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to examine disparities and identity development. This session will bring about a heightened awareness of the complexities and challenges community college students navigate along the STEM path.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Division J - Section 2b: College Student Success

Chair

• Kelly Wickersham, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Papers

• Promoting STEM Identity Development in Community Colleges and Across the Transfer Process - Sarah Rodriguez, Texas A&M University - Commerce; Kari Hensen, Des Moines Area Community College; Maria L Espino, Iowa State University

• Underrepresented Students in STEM Pathways at Community Colleges - Michael Babcock, Whatcom Community College

• Gendered Pathways: From Florida's Two-Year Institutions to Computing Degrees - Lara Perez-Felkner, Florida State University; Shouping Hu, Florida State University

• Complicating the Narrative: First-Generation Community College Women's Identity as Momentum Navigating STEM - Kelly Wickersham, University of Wisconsin - Madison