Race, Gender and Persistence in Engineering and Computing: A Qualitative Analysis of Female Student Experiences at a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
Conference
Abdullah, DN, Fletcher, TL, Quintero, R et al. (2021). Race, Gender and Persistence in Engineering and Computing: A Qualitative Analysis of Female Student Experiences at a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
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Abdullah, DN, Fletcher, TL, Quintero, R et al. (2021). Race, Gender and Persistence in Engineering and Computing: A Qualitative Analysis of Female Student Experiences at a Minority Serving Institution (MSI)
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Within engineering and computer science programs at a southeast-based minority serving institution (MSI), efforts have been made to help improve the participation in and success of female students within the fields. This has been done by partnering with external organizations and implementing programming to address documented reasons for lower female participation in engineering and computing. Using a critical race theory (CRT) lens and intersectionality conceptual framework, this research study consisted of conducting individual interviews with current undergraduate female students within engineering and computing. The interviews were coded, analyzed and thoroughly documented within the results and discussion session. Findings show that experiences prior to entering college, family involvement, social group involvement and institutional culture and climate all play critical roles in female student persistence through these academic programs. The dissemination of these results will contribute towards identifying opportunities in which to remove barriers for women within the engineering and computing discipline by understanding their experiences and participation in the fields.
