ERIC Number: ED641909
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 148
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-7621-8796-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Barriers and Supporting Factors for Latino Males Studying STEM-Related Degrees in Computer and Information Systems
Juan R. LopezGomez
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Robert Morris University
The growth in the Latino population counts for half of the national population growth in the U.S, and that growth continues. Nevertheless, the gap in post-secondary educational attainment for Latinos is wide compared to whites and other non-Hispanics. Fewer Latino males are enrolling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related degrees and are more likely to transfer out of STEM majors. Latino males also have lower graduation rates. However, there is a need for computers and information systems (CIS) graduates in the U.S., as part of the technology aspect of STEM, and Latino males have the potential to contribute to this vital sector of the economy. This qualitative study aimed to identify barriers and supporting factors that young Latino males experienced as they made progress in or completed a CIS degree. The researcher conducted 11 semi-structured interviews to better understand the participants' lived experiences. Eleven barriers in five categories and ten supporting factors in six categories were identified, resulting in four overarching themes. The themes were: a) Psychological impact; (b) Lack of educational preparation and resources; (c) Diversity impact; and (d) Family and friends' support. The findings illustrate the need for support at all levels of school and post-secondary education, as well as guidance on attaining financial assistance, mentoring, career guidance, English as second-language support, and life and study skills. The implications and suggestions for future studies are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Latin Americans, Males, Postsecondary Education, Educational Attainment, STEM Education, Computer Science Education, Information Technology, Barriers
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A