The imperative to increase the representation of historically minoritized groups (HMG) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by addressing systemic barriers in the United States remains a formidable challenge with profound implications. By 2036, the majority of high school graduates in the United States will be people…

In 2015 the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance made the decision to transition all athletic training programs from undergraduate level degrees to entry-level master's degrees. This decision stems from efforts to align the athletic training profession with other allied health professions. With this decision came several concerns including the…

In response to a national agenda to increase diversity in the teaching workforce, this qualitative multiple case study critically examined the recruitment and admission of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to teacher education programs (TEP) in three Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) in California. Specifically, this research…

Students who are living in poverty suffer many disadvantages due to their low socio-economic status. This impact manifests itself both socially and academically. The research is rich on these impacts as well as the perception of teachers and school personnel of students in poverty. There is also much research to suggest that students in poverty…

Persistent patterns of inequalities have led to the underrepresentation of minoritized students in higher education, particularly within STEM fields. A great deal of sociological research has investigated the various causes and implications of these inequalities, while educational research has investigated methods to increase the recruitment and…

Science classrooms often marginalize students of color, particularly Black and Brown boys, by devaluing their perspectives and supporting narratives that reinforce long-lasting deficit mindsets that sustain practices that keep Black and Brown boys in the margins. Using a Critical Participatory Action Research methodology, this qualitative research…

Public libraries, important spaces for accessing assistance and resources, are increasingly focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and hands-on learning (Lee & Phillips, 2019). While they are promising spaces for STEAM learning that supports marginalized communities and multi-generational engagement, this…

This dissertation presents research pertaining to how classroom teachers can become more effective in teaching their students of color. Through an examination of literature pertaining to critical whiteness studies, critical pedagogy, antiracist education, and transformative leadership, a professional learning program has been designed to offer…

Research indicates that students from marginalized communities do not have the same access to advanced courses as the rest of the population, creating a persistent disparity (Edmunds et al., 2022; Ezzani et al., 2021; Sebastian, 2021). One reason for the equity gap is the existing enrollment process tends to miss qualified students, specifically…

Public research universities in the United States face myriad problems, many of which result in inequitable outcomes and experiences for people from marginalized populations. How stakeholders understand, value, and pursue solutions within the complex organizational context of public higher education further complicates problems of inequity and…

This qualitative study explored the pivotal role tutoring center professionals play in supporting historically marginalized students in California public universities. There was a focus on the intersection that social capital and equity have on the experiences of the professionals. This study sought to highlight the perspectives, challenges, and…

While racially minoritized students are gaining access and enrolling in post-secondary institutions at higher rates, institutionalized oppression and exclusionary practices impact students' experience and success. Colleges and universities have an obligation to create environments that are welcoming, just, and fair for all students who choose to…

This disquisition (a dissertation-in-practice model) provides an analysis of an improvement effort aimed at closing opportunity gaps by increasing educators' equity consciousness. The scholarpractitioner's theory of improvement posited that an increase in equity consciousness (deeper understanding of the inequities present within schools) leads to…

Communities of color have been fighting for equal rights in society throughout history, resulting in the development of different social movements. In 2013, the Black Lives Matter movement was founded and protests erupted across America as Black lives were lost at the hands of law enforcement. In the summer of 2020, the protests continued, serving…

Career Technical Education (CTE) and participating in other career learning opportunities are ways to help students gain the skills needed to succeed in college and careers. Students who participate in CTE are more engaged in school and more likely to graduate from high school. The problem is that students who are Black, Indigenous, and people of…