Descubriendo mi lugar: Understanding sense of belonging and community of black STEM-H students enrolled at a Hispanic serving institution

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this quantitative study is to explore the differences and relations among how Black science, technology, engineering and mathematics-life and health sciences (STEM-H) and non-STEM-H students develop a sense of belonging and community at a Hispanic serving institution (HSI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used findings from a survey that collected both numeric and string data. Surveys were administered via e-mail.

Findings

There were a limited number of significant findings related to STEM-H students believing that faculty would be sensitive to their needs and that they would be part of the community. String data provide more data about positive and negative experiences related to belonging and community.

Research limitations/implications

It was a single-institution study in New Mexico. Therefore, it may not mirror other HSIs across the country. Also, there were only 84 participants. This number is relatively low compared to the 465 Black students identified at the institutions. Thus, it is clear that not all voices are heard in this study. Finally, this study used preexisting scales to measure a sense of belonging and a sense of community. Because of this, the questions were not customized to the region.

Originality/value

This study introduces STEM-H as a viable area of study. It examines Black STEM-H students enrolled at an HSI using two scales for sense of belonging and sense of community.

Citation

Williams Pichon, H. (2016), "Descubriendo mi lugar: Understanding sense of belonging and community of black STEM-H students enrolled at a Hispanic serving institution", Journal for Multicultural Education, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 135-151. https://doi.org/10.1108/JME-01-2016-0008