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Enhancing Retention of Underrepresented Students in STEM Fields

Black and Latino students entering majors in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) often face high rates of attrition compared to their white peers. Research indicates that these students are more likely to change their majors or leave college without completing their degrees. Several factors contribute to this trend, including a sense of isolation in academic environments and insufficient technical skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively in scientific contexts. The departure of underrepresented students from STEM fields is more than a personal loss; it impedes societal progress in critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

The diversity of talent from different backgrounds is essential for scientific advancement. In 2021, a group of Ph.D. biology candidates from one of the nation’s leading historically Black universities collaborated to explore strategies aimed at helping underrepresented students establish their scientific identities and remain committed to STEM. Here are four essential recommendations developed from that work.

1. Enroll in Freshman Seminar Classes

Freshman seminars are available at both large and small institutions and are specifically designed to support students transitioning into college life. These courses help alleviate the stress associated with both academic pressures and everyday college experiences.

Students who struggle with their grades in introductory STEM courses face a greater likelihood of departing from these fields. Participation in freshman seminars has been shown to elevate overall GPAs during the first year, encouraging persistence in chosen majors. Notably, minority students may experience more significant challenges adjusting to the college environment, highlighting the need for seminars to address topics such as mentorship, networking, and career development.

2. Participate in Research Courses for Undergraduates

Acquiring research experience is vital for STEM students as they prepare for future employment or graduate studies. Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students with hands-on opportunities in real-world scientific research, from conception to execution. Evidence suggests that students engaged in CUREs, such as those at Montana State University, gain valuable insights into complex subjects like environmental microbiology.

CUREs often facilitate more meaningful interactions between professors and students. Research indicates that having faculty members who share similar backgrounds with minority students serves as a source of relatable role models, enhancing the likelihood of success. Small colleges lacking the resources for such programs can partner with better-funded institutions to create fruitful collaborations that yield significant improvements in student performance.

3. Join a Journal Club

The ability to interpret scientific literature is crucial for aspiring STEM professionals. Unfortunately, this skill is often underdeveloped within classroom settings, occurring instead in extracurricular environments like journal clubs. While research-intensive universities typically feature these clubs, institutions with less research activity or those serving underrepresented populations often overlook them due to faculty workloads.

This gap can leave underrepresented STEM majors unprepared for the demands of graduate school, where they may find themselves inundated with complex scientific articles. College journal clubs offer an essential platform for students to hone their reading and critical analysis skills in a supportive environment, building confidence in their ability to engage with and contribute to scientific discourse.

4. Attend a Grant-Writing Academy

Securing grant funding is a daunting yet necessary task for STEM researchers. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of funding is channeled towards large or predominantly white institutions, often due to biases in the grant awarding process and lower submission rates among underrepresented researchers. This systemic issue results in diminished financial support for these students and professionals over time.

Early success or failure in grant writing can have lasting effects on a researcher’s career trajectory. Therefore, equipping STEM majors with effective grant-writing skills at an early stage is crucial. Grant-writing academies can provide essential guidance to help students improve their grant acquisition capabilities. For instance, involvement in Stanford’s Biosciences Grant Writing Academy significantly increased participants’ chances of securing funding.

The scientific disciplines of STEM are inherently challenging, but the implementation of these four strategies can empower underrepresented students, providing them with the necessary tools to thrive in their academic and professional endeavors.

Source
www.higheredjobs.com