Retaining Minority Students in Engineering: Undergraduate Research in Partnership with NASA

Retaining underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an essential step for increasing graduation rates and for meeting the demand for diversified and qualified STEM graduates. This demand has increased dramatically in recent years, especially with the retirement of baby boomers([1]). Therefore, the nation is facing a serious challenge in educating sufficient numbers of underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields to meet the demands of the scientific community. There have been many studies on low retention rates among underrepresented minorities in STEM disciplines, and different conclusions have been drawn([2][3][4]). At Virginia State University, the most important factors for retention are the students' interest and motivation. In order to have high interest and motivation, students need to believe that a STEM major is worth the effort, that they have the ability to complete their degree, and that the degree is very useful for future employment. In order to excite the students' interest and motivation, Virginia State University and Louisburg College partnered with NASA to create a summer internship at Goddard Flight Center, where eight undergraduates worked with NASA scientists on advanced electrical aeronautic projects. This paper documents the impact that this exciting partnership is having on the students.