WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES IN THE STEM COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER PATHWAY

Becky Wai‐Ling Packard · Janelle L. Gagnon · Onawa P. LaBelle · Kimberly C. Jeffers

120 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering

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Higher Education Research Studies Career Development and Diversity Education and Military Integration

Abstract

The experiences of women using the community college transfer pathway to earn four-year degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields have not been studied extensively. This study examined the experiences of thirty women (67% first-generation college students, 23% ethnic minority students) pursuing STEM degrees; they were interviewed once while finishing at community college and again one semester later. The results illustrate facilitators at the community college, including inspirational professors, effective transfer advising, academic resources, and flexible work schedules, and barriers resulting from ineffective initial advising. After transferring to a four-year institution, the majority of women persisted in STEM majors despite many barriers, such as negative course experiences, poor advising, and limited finances. Finding a helpful professor or advisor and cotransfer support boosted belongingness and contributed to persistence. Two students switched to non-STEM fields, while two students withdrew from the four-year school completely; these students faced significant financial barriers and did not find a helpful professor or advisor in a STEM field. Finally, four students delayed their transfer, primarily due to financial reasons and family responsibilities. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

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References

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2012Community Colleges in the Evolving STEM Education Landscape: Summary of a Summit 2013The Role of Institutional Agents in Promoting Transfer Access 2017Undergraduate Research Participation Is Associated With Improved Student Outcomes at a Hispanic-Serving Institution 2013Advising and Progress in the Community College STEM Transfer Pathway 2022Racism, sexism and disconnection: contrasting experiences of Black women in STEM before and after transfer from community college

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