Access to academic support services and academic achievement in STEM fields
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Academic Support Services and STEM Student Achievement
Access to academic support services is strongly linked to improved academic achievement and persistence in STEM fields, especially for students from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds. Multiple studies highlight the importance of comprehensive support programs that address not only academic needs but also financial, social, and cultural barriers De La Rosa-Pohl2024Baker2020Ajayi2023+6 MORE.
Holistic and Integrated Support Programs in STEM
Programs that combine financial aid, academic support (such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, and study groups), mentoring, and opportunities for research or internships have been shown to significantly improve student retention, graduation rates, and academic performance in STEM disciplines De La Rosa-Pohl2024Baker2020Ajayi2023+5 MORE. These programs often include both curricular and co-curricular activities, such as faculty mentoring, peer support, industry engagement, and professional development opportunities, which together foster a sense of belonging and academic hope among students Baker2020Enriquez2014Santangelo2022+2 MORE.
Impact on Underserved and Underrepresented Students
Support services are particularly effective for students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and underrepresented minorities. These students often face additional challenges, including lack of prior academic preparation, limited access to professional networks, and unfamiliarity with the "hidden curriculum" of higher education. Targeted support programs help close achievement gaps, resulting in academic outcomes for at-risk students that are comparable to their peers De La Rosa-Pohl2024Baker2020Ajayi2023+4 MORE.
Mentoring and Social Support Networks
Mentoring—especially from faculty—plays a critical role in student success. It not only provides academic guidance but also helps students develop self-regulated learning strategies, which are directly linked to higher degree attainment Santangelo2022Tise2023Hansen2023+1 MORE. Social support networks, including connections with peers, educators, and staff, further enhance students’ sense of belonging and integration into the campus community, which is a strong predictor of persistence and graduation in STEM Hansen2023Benbow2022.
Sense of Belonging and Academic Hope
A strong sense of belonging within STEM programs and a hopeful outlook toward academic achievement are key factors in student persistence. Programs that intentionally build community and foster engagement in academically purposeful activities see higher rates of retention and degree completion, particularly among historically marginalized groups Hansen2023Benbow2022.
Conclusion
Access to academic support services—when delivered as part of a holistic, integrated approach—significantly boosts academic achievement, retention, and graduation rates in STEM fields. These benefits are especially pronounced for students from underserved backgrounds, underscoring the importance of comprehensive support structures that address academic, financial, social, and cultural needs De La Rosa-Pohl2024Baker2020Ajayi2023+6 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Endeavour S-STEM: Supporting High-Achieving Underserved Students in STEM
The Endeavour S-STEM Program at the University of Houston shows early evidence that a holistic approach to student support can increase engagement, performance, and persistence for underserved STEM students.
Enhancing the Success of Minority STEM Students by Providing Financial, Academic, Social, and Cultural Capital
The scholarship program developed through a National Science Foundation grant has significantly improved the success of minority STEM students by increasing financial, academic, social, and cultural capital.
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