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ERIC Number: ED638598
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 149
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3803-2543-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
"It Solidified My Position That I Should Be in Science": A Case Study on How Participating in A Stem Intervention Program Influences the Science Identity Development of Low-Income Students in Stem at A Community College
Manuel Rodriguez
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northern Illinois University
Individuals coming from low-income backgrounds, particularly women and people of color, are disproportionately underrepresented in STEM fields. The low representation is often attributed to low enrollment and completion rates in STEM programs. Community colleges play a crucial role in increasing diversity in the workforce. However, there is not much information about how community college students' experiences in STEM academic programs supports their science identity development. The purpose of this case study was to understand how participation in a STEM intervention program assisted low-income students in their science identity development. Science identity development has been used to understand how students' interactions with the field influence their interest, engagement, and sense of belonging to science. The STEM Community program was a STEM Intervention Program (SIP) that provided low-income students, many that held other minoritized identities, with financial, social, and academic assistance. The case study included semi-structured interviews with 17 program participants and 2 program mentors, and the program coordinator, document analysis of end-of-the-year student reflections, and observational data. The findings from the study suggest that early intellectual curiosity, early exposure to science, encouragement to pursue a career in science, and personal goals play a major role in sparking interest in science. Hands-on experiences, mentoring, and guidance increase the sense of competence and performance in science. Engaging in undergraduate research opportunities and scientific conferences substantially increases students' sense of recognition and belonging in science. This study also found that finances, privileges, representation, and access to STEM professionals play a role in how students experience STEM programs, thus influencing their science identity development. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A