NEED ASSESSMENT FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR BLACK MALE STEM STUDENTS AT A RURAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY IN MISSISSIPPI
Abstract
The topic of Black student success in STEM at HBCUs has been extensively documented. This STEM pipeline is a pivotal tool to address the global demand for a STEM educated workforce. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of and attitudes of Black male STEM students towards academic programs and student support services at a rural university in the south. A quantitative descriptive survey research design was used to systematically explore factors that Black male STEM students associate with their academic success during the 2021 fall academic semester. Results from the study found that participants were aware of and utilized the existing academic programs and student support services, however the university needed to improve the communication process regarding existing resources. The results also conclude that participants desire an expansion of existing student support services and academic programs. This research adds to the current body of literature that addresses academic success and challenges of Black males in STEM degree programs and offers applications for future practice.