Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: The Journey of STEM Scholar Program at TCU

Program Abstract: The declining number of underrepresented students completing a STEM degree is a concerning challenge for higher education. With only 15% of African Americans, 16% of Hispanics, and less than 1% of Native Americans earning their STEM bachelor’s degrees, as reported by Tonisha B. Lane (2016), action is urgently needed. This presentation aims to share the data and insights gained from the STEM Scholar Program at TCU, serving as a case study on how a STEM enrichment program in higher education can significantly impact the recruitment, development, and retention of underrepresented students in STEM fields. The objective of this presentation is to provide participants with a framework for supporting, assessing, and creating successful enrichment programs that promote the retention and development of underrepresented student populations as they pursue education and careers in STEM. This framework is grounded in research and continuous learning from the operation of the STEM Scholar Program.