Integration Of Utilitarian Scientific Literacy Modules Improve First-Year HBCU STEM Student Experiences

Abstract

Attrition in STEM remains a concern for universities across the US, as the nation struggles to keep up with global demand for a well-trained STEM workforce. Attrition amongst underrepresented student populations is of particular concern as retention rates are statistically lowest among these groups. As such, the US struggles to fully tap into its greatest potential advantage, a diverse STEM workforce. Of recent, agencies have zeroed in on efforts to increase diversity in STEM. However, HBCU’s have been at the forefront of these efforts throughout time. Through this report, we assess the utility of utilitarian scientific literacy modules for their ability to improve first-year HBCU STEM student outcomes in aims of further increasing retention of diverse student populations in STEM.