Success stems from diversity: the value of Latinas in STEM

Latinas/os only make up three percent of our nation's scientist and engineers according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2007) and Latinas represented only one percent of employed scientists and engineers. This qualitative study is an examination of Latinas academically preparing for or entering the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) profession. In particular, this study explored the issues, barriers, and successes experience by this group of women. Analysis of the interview responses revealed four common themes that impacted the academic and/or professional lives of these Latinas: 1) community cultural wealth, 2) socioeconomic circumstances, 3) academic preparation, and 4) sexism. Based on the findings, the study proposes recommendations for change and emphasized the need for increasing the number of ethnically diverse students, primarily Latinas, entering STEM programs in the United States.