Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
8-2024
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2892-7836
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Organizational Leadership
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Dr. Jeff Cranmore
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Dr. Ana Gomez de Torres
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Dr. Scott Strawn
Abstract
This dissertation explores the barriers and effective support systems for African American male students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at community colleges. Given that African Americans represent a significant portion of community college students but a disproportionately small percentage of STEM graduates, this research sought to identify the factors contributing to this disparity. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the support systems that can enhance academic and social success for African American men STEM majors. Questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and archival records were the data collection methods used to examine African American male students at a predominantly White community college in Texas. The findings reveal that mentoring, faculty relationships, peer support, and institutional resources play crucial roles in student retention and success. This study also underscores the impact of community college environments and social networks on the persistence and transfer rates of these students. The results highlight the need for tailored support systems that address both academic and social challenges, aiming to increase STEM graduation rates among African American male students. This research contributes to the broader discussion on diversifying the STEM workforce and offering recommendations for community colleges to implement effective strategies that foster the success of African American students in STEM fields.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Ramsey, Traci L., "Dismantling Barriers: Exploring Effective Support Systems for African American Success in STEM at Community Colleges" (2024). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 810.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/810