Aligning Best Practices in Student Success and Career Preparedness: An Exploratory Study to Establish Pathways to STEM Careers for Undergraduate Minority Students

Authors

Kimberly D. Kendricks, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Anthony A. Arment, Central State UniversityFollow
K. V. Nedunuri, Central State UniversityFollow
Cadance A. Lowell, Central State UniversityFollow

Keywords

Underrepresented minorities, retention, family model, faculty mentoring, undergraduate research

Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology | Biology | Computer Sciences | Engineering Education | Mathematics | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning | Science and Mathematics Education

Abstract

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.

Recommended Citation

Kendricks, K. D., Arment, A. A., Nedunuri, K. V., & Lowell, C. A. (2019). Aligning Best Practices in Student Success and Career Preparedness: An Exploratory Study to Establish Pathways to STEM Careers for Undergraduate Minority Students. Journal of Research in Technical Careers, 3 (1). https://doi.org/10.9741/2578-2118.1034