Retention Rates in a HBCU Community

Inman E. Page Library, Lionel Newsom Café

This project determines the impact of federally funded STEM programs on retention rates of the underrepresented minority (URM) returning to their HBCU after 2 semesters. A statistical analysis of university data will determine if there is a significant difference in the retention rates of the URM majoring in STEM who participate in federally funded STEM programs vs. URMs majoring in STEM who do not participate in STEM programs. Previous researchers found students well prepared academically but with unmet basic needs were more likely to transfer and more access to scholarships increase the likelihood of returning to school tied into financial support aids in retention. I anticipate that there is a significant difference in the retention rates of URMs majoring in STEM who participate in STEM programs.