RUME 27
2025
Alexandria, Virginia
Investigating STEM Retention Program Participants' Sense of Belonging in Mathematics
Page: 1347
Research suggests that a sense of belonging in mathematics can influence students' decisions to persist in STEM fields. Programs such as summer bridge programs and Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) programs are often utilized to promote STEM retention by helping students adapt to college STEM environments. This study explores the mathematics sense of belonging and identity of students in STEM while participating in an LSAMP program after their participation in a summer bridge STEM program. Survey and interview data from the students will be analyzed to identify how participation in STEM retention initiatives may have influenced their mathematics sense of belonging and identity. After taking their first summer mathematics course, students' overall sense of belonging in mathematics appears to decline, according to initial findings. Results of this study also suggest that having interpersonal relationships allowed one student to have an increased sense of belonging in mathematics.