| While a number of publications have identified the problem of low baccalaureate attainment rates in Latino males, far fewer studies have focused on how to address the lack of adequate representation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for this specific population. Of the studies that have been conducted, the majority of them have utilized a quantitative methodology. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore how cognitive, social, and institutional factors have positively affected college persistence and success in junior and senior level Latino males who were pursuing a STEM degree at a large, public Hispanic serving institution (HSI). One of the main criteria for participating in this study was that the student had to be a member of a specific on-campus STEM organization, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program. This study was framed utilizing an adapted version of a college student persistence model that had been designed for underrepresented students. Data was collected through one-on-one interviews and the use of a focus group session. The key themes that emerged primarily fell under the social and institutional factor categories. College persistence themes related to social factors included the desire to make a better life for self and for family, the importance of having a STEM role model, and the ability to have college peers with the same STEM major or goal, who often served as social and academic support systems. Salient college persistence themes tied to institutional factors included the crucial need for adequate financial aid, and the positive impact of belonging to an on-campus STEM program that got these students interested in research and encouraged them to pursue STEM degrees beyond the baccalaureate. The one unexpected theme that emerged from these students' life experiences was how a negative event was used as a motivator rather than as a barrier, in striving for the STEM degree or career goal that they had set for themselves. |
