In the wake of a nationwide campaign to get students and young adults into the science, technology, engineering and math fields — commonly referred to as “STEM,” West Virginia University is slated to receive nearly $300,000 to support research on why students leave STEM majors, and how to keep them on board.
The $299,985 National Science Foundation grant will fund the university’s “STEM-R: Modeling STEM Retention and Departure across Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering” project.
Researchers behind the project plan to create a theoretical framework to detail the reasons students leave STEM majors and, as a result, identify what schools can to do retain them.
“The research will explore crucial questions influencing university STEM departure, including to what extent departure is preventable by modifying advising protocols, to what extent performance in these gate-keeper classes and its effect on self-efficacy influence the decision to change major, what psychological/social factors mark students beginning to explore non-STEM careers, and to what extent belonging influences retention, particularly of underrepresented women and rural students,” the project abstract states. “The research will contribute to a deeper understanding of this important phenomenon. It also will inform the national discussion of STEM retention by producing a theoretical framework of STEM departure validated across a large, economically diverse pool of students.”
The project was welcomed by Mountain State leaders, who have largely pushed STEM education in West Virginia in order to create a workforce that will help draw new business and industry opportunities to the state.
“I am glad this funding will help support STEM programs at West Virginia University,” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said in a statement. “Enhancing STEM programs and improving retention rates at our colleges and universities will open doors for our students. This is crucial for West Virginia to remain competitive in the global marketplace and I applaud WVU for their dedication to STEM education programs.”
“As technology continues to evolve, so do the jobs of today and tomorrow,” added U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “It is important to emphasize STEM education at our universities and ensure students receive the training and support needed to succeed. I am glad WVU will receive this funding to enhance research and education programs in STEM fields and help prepare our students for successful careers.”
John Stewart, an associate professor in WVU's Department of Physics and Astronomy; Edgar Fuller, a professor of mathematics; and Jessica Deshler, an associate professor of mathematics; are the principal investigators behind the project. The research is expected to begin July 1, 2016 and run through June 2019.
