Research to Practice: Identifying Best Practices for STEM Intervention Programs for URMs

Abstract: This Quality Approaches in Higher Education article is authored by Raina Dyer-Barr, of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Focusing on STEM intervention programs aimed at increasing the recruitment and retention of minority undergraduates traditionally underrepresented in STEM, this paper explores the perspectives of STEM Intervention Programs (SIP) administrators. Fifty-six SIP administrators from 10 large public, research universities were interviewed on what “works” to enable the successful administration of these programs, especially in terms of how they aid in the recruitment and retention of historically and traditionally under-represented minority (URM) undergraduates in STEM. The findings suggest that for the SIP administrators in this study, exhibiting a focus on student-centeredness, community building, and collaboration as well as sustaining these efforts is an integral part of effectively administering intervention programs targeting the recruitment and retention of URM undergraduates in STEM. In addition, this paper advocates for more research in support of SIPs.

Keywords: Best Practices - Quality Approaches in Higher Education - Student Support - STEM