RUME 26
2024
Omaha, Nebraska
Exploring Summer Bridge Program Participants’ Sense of Belonging in Mathematics
Page: 1366
Mathematics holds crucial importance for STEM majors. However, many of these students are often seen leaving STEM majors following their initial two years of college math courses. Research indicates that fostering a sense of belonging in mathematics can positively influence students' persistence in STEM fields. Summer bridge programs, designed to facilitate students' integration into STEM at the college level, serve as one such initiative to enhance STEM diversity and retention. This study examines potential shifts in participants' identities, sense of belonging, and confidence in mathematics from the beginning to the end of a summer bridge program. Surveys on mathematics belonging and identity were administered to bridge participants, and the data from interviews and surveys were analyzed to investigate changes in their sense of belonging and identity in mathematics throughout the program.