The Value of Support: STEM Intervention Programs Impact Student Persistence and Belonging.

ABSTRACT: In response to unwaveringly high attrition from STEM pathways, STEM Intervention Programs (SIPs) support STEM students in effort to increase retention. Using mixed methods (survey and focus groups), we studied students at one university who were either supported or unsupported by SIPs to understand how students may differ in experiences believed to contribute to STEM persistence. We evaluated: sense of belonging, scientific self-efficacy, scientific community values, scientific identity, and STEM involvement. The enrollment status of students two and a half years postsurvey was also tracked. SIP students reported significantly higher science identity and sense of belonging and were more involved in STEM-related activities than counterparts unsupported by SIPs. Differences in these measures

SUBMITTER: Shortlidge EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11235113 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature