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Increasing Hispanic STEM Majors' Persistence to Degree: An Initiative to Harness Family Support.
Anna Woodcock1, Nadia M Hernandez2, Kamel Haddad3
1California State University San Marcos, USA.
Journal of Hispanic Higher Education
|March 16, 2026
Summary
Hispanic students face higher dropout rates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). An initiative leveraged family support, using Balanced Identity Design and Utility-Value theories, to boost Hispanic student engagement and persistence in STEM fields.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Sociology of Science
- Hispanic-Serving Institutions
Background:
- Hispanic students are underrepresented in the scientific workforce.
- Higher attrition rates for Hispanic students in STEM fields compared to White and Asian peers.
- Hispanic students often attend local colleges and reside with family, presenting unique support opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess an initiative supporting Hispanic students in STEM.
- To utilize family as a resource for student engagement and persistence.
- To apply Balanced Identity Design and Utility-Value theories in a novel intervention.
Main Methods:
- Creation of a family-centered support initiative for STEM majors.
- Evaluation of the initiative's impact on student engagement.
- Assessment of the initiative's effect on student persistence in STEM majors.
- Theoretical framework integrating Balanced Identity Design and Utility-Value theories.
Main Results:
- The initiative demonstrated positive impacts on Hispanic students' engagement in STEM.
- The intervention showed promise in improving persistence rates among Hispanic STEM majors.
- Family involvement was identified as a critical factor in supporting student success.
Conclusions:
- Leveraging family support through targeted initiatives can enhance Hispanic student persistence in STEM.
- Balanced Identity Design and Utility-Value theories provide a robust framework for designing effective educational interventions.
- Interventions should consider the socio-cultural context of Hispanic students, including family dynamics.
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