South Lands Major Grant to Study Equity in STEM Education

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Posted on October 14, 2024

Lance Crawford

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Dr. Kathy Thompson, director of the Center for Innovation in Postsecondary Education at the University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies, has secured a $2.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation over three years to promote access and success for diverse learners in STEM education.

Thompson leads a team of researchers from Sam Houston State University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois-Urbana at Champaign on the project, “Determining Equity Readiness in Higher Education: Empowering Student Success in STEM Education.” They will analyze the barriers that hinder student success in STEM education while looking at ways to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments in higher education.

“Student’s barriers to pursuing STEM degrees vary significantly depending on the institution’s culture, structure and practices,” Thompson said. “These barriers often include inadequate advising, academic support, financial challenges, limited access to mentorship and a lack of sense of belonging within the institution.”

Thompson said that the study will examine these challenges closely, identify priority areas, implement strategies to improve STEM student outcomes and create more supportive student environments.

“Growth as an institution can be challenging because it requires a significant commitment of time, resources and personnel,” said Thompson. “Institutions may hesitate to critically examine their shortcomings because the process can reveal uncomfortable truths that require substantial changes. However, institutions willing to confront these challenges and take a hard look at their readiness for change are often the ones that ultimately see the most progress.”

Producing more graduates in STEM fields at South is crucial for Alabama and the Gulf Coast region. A robust pipeline of STEM graduates supports the local economy by meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals, promoting economic development and ensuring the region remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

“Our findings will be shared in professional journals to inform policymakers, educators and institutional leaders on best practices and evidence-based strategies to improve retention and graduation rates among these student populations,” said Thompson. “Additionally, the results will be presented at national and international conferences to foster a broader dialogue on equity in STEM education and inspire further research and policy development to close achievement gaps.”

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