Promoting Pathways to STEM Careers for Traditionally Underrepresented Graduate Students

The systemic and pervasive underrepresentation of some ethnic and cultural groups in the STEM workforce has been the topic of much recent debate. This study was part of a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) that investigated factors influencing the graduate experience and career aspirations of students from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM degree programs. Identifying factors that promote STEM persistence and graduate school completion can help diversify the STEM workforce in industry and higher education. Findings from both qualitative and quantitative research methods indicated that undergraduate research experiences, institutional support, faculty/mentor and advisor support, and intrinsic motivation influenced the study participants' persistence in STEM undergraduate and graduate programs. Conclusions from this research can inform administrators and faculty in higher education of strategies that facilitate and support the career development of traditionally underrepresented students in pursuit of STEM degrees and careers.