Experiences of Minority College Students with Disabilities in STEM

Despite recent growth in the number of college students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), there is a disparity in participation for students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds with disabilities. This issue has received little attention in the research literature. We sought to gain a better understanding of the experiences of minority students with disabilities in their pursuits of a degree and career in STEM and their experiences with a program designed to support the accomplishment of this goal-the Minority-Disability Alliance in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (MIND Alliance). We used the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) approach to address the research questions with six former or current STEM students who received MIND Alliance services and supports. Results provide insights into the experiences of STEM students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds with disabilities, and the influence of the MIND Alliance program on their academic success. Findings emphasize the importance of social supports from peers, family, and the university, as well as the proper handling of accommodations. Participants were generally satisfied with MIND Alliance services and reported positive influences on academic and career goals and on social aspects of college success.