ERIC Number: EJ1245968
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-May
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2578-2118
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Aligning Best Practices in Student Success and Career Preparedness: An Exploratory Study to Establish Pathways to STEM Careers for Undergraduate Minority Students
Kendricks, Kimberly D.; Arment, Anthony A.; Nedunuri, K. V.; Lowell, Cadance A.
Journal of Research in Technical Careers, v3 n1 p27-48 May 2019
Undergraduate minority retention and graduation rates in STEM disciplines is a nationally recognized challenge for workforce growth and diversification. The Benjamin Banneker Scholars Program (BBSP) was a five-year undergraduate study developed to increase minority student retention and graduation rates at an HBCU. The program structure utilized a family model as a vehicle to orient students to the demands of college. Program activities integrated best K-12 practices and workforce skillsets to increase academic preparedness and career readiness. Findings revealed that a familial atmosphere improved academic performance, increased undergraduate research, and generated positive perceptions of faculty mentoring. Retention rates among BBSP participants averaged 88% compared to 39% among non-participant STEM peers. The BBSP graduation rate averaged 93% compared to 20% for non-participants. BBSP participants were more likely to gain employment in a STEM field or enter into a professional study. This paper furthers the body of research on STEM workforce diversity and presents a transferrable model for other institutions.
Descriptors: Career Readiness, STEM Education, Undergraduate Students, School Holding Power, Graduation Rate, Black Colleges, African American Students, College Readiness, Family Involvement, Social Support Groups, Mentors, College Programs, Program Effectiveness, Academic Achievement, Student Attitudes
UNLV Department of Teaching and Learning. 4505 South Maryland Parkway PO Box 3005, Las Vegas, NV 89154. e-mail: jrtc@unlv.edu; Web site: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jrtc/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ohio
Grant or Contract Numbers: DUE806741
Author Affiliations: N/A