In the face of a critical dietitian shortage, a decline in students, and a selective student placement process, this mixed-methods study examined the admissions practices of U.S.-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dietetic internship program directors. It revealed a complex scenario where student interest meets stringent qualifications,…

The leadership experiences of district intern program leaders in California play an important role in addressing the teacher shortage and diversifying the teaching workforce. However, limited information about their experiences exists in the empirical literature. Additionally, due to the recency of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited…

This dissertation explores the participation dynamics of BIPOC students in voluntary paid internships at a Midwestern HBCU, highlighting critical systemic barriers and the effectiveness of support systems. The study was prompted by a recognized gap in engagement among BIPOC students despite available internship opportunities. This research aimed…

Because of the priority placed on learning intercultural skills in the 21st century workplace, many higher educational institutions around the world have emphasized internationalization in recent years. In late 2022, two years after the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted their internationalization efforts, resulting in quarantine…

Education in the United States is a different experience depending on where students live and go to school. The achievement and opportunity gaps illuminate disparities in the quality of education students of color and students living in poverty receive. When research is embedded within the practice of teaching, or practitioner inquiry, it has…

Equity in education matters for all. Many innovative policies and practices have been established to disrupt the devastating history of inequities enshrined in every stage of education. Yet, ever-changing social, economic, and environmental circumstances bring another layer of tensions and complexities to these educational efforts, often…

The lack of American STEM talent is especially problematic for African American and Latino students who are pursuing math-science degrees at far lower rates than their White counterparts (Osei-Kofin & Torres, 2015). Yet, employers often cite the scarcity of American students, especially minority students, pursuing math-science degrees as a…

Work-based learning in college--in the form of internships, cooperative education programs, and apprenticeships--sit at the crossroads of education and employment. It can play a crucial role in shaping a student's transition from school to work. This study explores the extent to which college students participate in work-based learning and the…