The Influence of Summer Research Experiences on Community College Students' Efficacy and Pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Engineering

摘要

Community colleges can serve as a means to increase diversity among bachelor's degree earners in engineering given the proportional representation of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and females among community college students. However, improving the matriculation and transfer of community college students into four-year science and engineering degree programs is imperative if these groups will be represented in top-ranked four-year degree granting institutions. In order to facilitate successful matriculation and transfer it is important to expose community college students to coursework and experiences that adequately prepare them for success at a four-year institution. This paper describes the multidisciplinary summer research program for community college students in science and engineering that is offered at the University of California, Berkeley, which intends to prepare selected student participants for enrollment in a four-year institution. A mixed-method study conducted among participants in this program indicates increased self-efficacy, particularly as it relates to conducting research. This paper will present preliminary findings from the pre/post survey that was conducted and the qualitative analysis of weekly journals among the participants. Other institutions and programs can use the information shared to consider how to develop similar experiences and how to assess those programs for efficacy.