P38 - Beyond the Monolith: A Mixed Method Study on Identity, Community, and Support at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Friday, November 8, 2024

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM East Coast USA Time

Primary Presenter(s)

Patrice Greene

Postdoctoral Scholar
University of the District of Columbia
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Co-Presenter(s)

Gelysia Anderson (she/her/hers)

Undergraduate Student
Howard University, United States
Niya A. Mogheeth (she/her/hers)

Undergraduate Student
Louisiana State University, United States
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Yanique Jordan Mckenzie (she/her/hers)

Undergraduate Student
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Afiya Fredericks

Associate Professor of Psychology
University of the District of Columbia
Austin, Texas, United States

Program Abstract: Many initiatives on broadening the participation of Black students in STEM currently exist. Literature suggests that when focusing on students of African descent, differences exist when both race and ethnicity are accounted (Burrell et al., 2015; Daoud et al., 2018). As HBCUs face challenges of significant underfunding despite their undeniable ability to educate top Black scientists, we focus on illuminating how diverse Black students are and how HBCU’s consistently broaden participation for Black STEM students through community and support (Fries-Bitt et al., 2010; Perna et al., 2009; Strayhorn & Terell, 2007). Expanding upon previous scholarship, this mixed methods study draws on a larger sample of 1589 students from 36 HBCUs in introductory STEM courses to identify the nuances of community and support on these campuses, and the unique challenges to navigating campus across and within ethnic groups. Important recommendations on how to engage and support Black STEM students is discussed.