Historically underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities (ie African Americans, Latinos, and
Native Americans) have experienced barriers to their success in engineering and related
STEM fields. These student populations have had lower degree attainment rates, switch to
non-STEM majors more frequently, and experience unique social challenges when
compared to White and Asian Pacific Islander counterparts. To examine these findings,
nearly 50 interviews were conducted and analyzed in the present study to better understand …

… In order to help AA and LA students overcome “barriers” to their success in STEM, we offer
recommendations to educators and practitioners** … "...not that it’s impossible for a minority to
succeed in my major, but the conditions in which to succeed aren’t ideal. One because there
aren’t as many people that look like you." (… (Black male mechanical engineering major) …