Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis

In this original research manuscript, we examined how gender, race, and ethnic heritage shape the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related and higher education aspirations of different communities of refugee youth and families participating in university–community organizatio...

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Main Authors: Meseret F. Hailu, Setrag Hovsepian, Mohammed Ibrahim, Bruno Atieh, Saida Mohamed, Nalini Chhetri, Eugene Judson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Social Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/11/593
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author Meseret F. Hailu
Setrag Hovsepian
Mohammed Ibrahim
Bruno Atieh
Saida Mohamed
Nalini Chhetri
Eugene Judson
author_facet Meseret F. Hailu
Setrag Hovsepian
Mohammed Ibrahim
Bruno Atieh
Saida Mohamed
Nalini Chhetri
Eugene Judson
author_sort Meseret F. Hailu
collection DOAJ
description In this original research manuscript, we examined how gender, race, and ethnic heritage shape the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related and higher education aspirations of different communities of refugee youth and families participating in university–community organization partnerships. Families from various ethnic-based community organizations in Arizona (serving Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, Somali, and Syrian people) participated in this study. Using social cognitive career theory as our conceptual framework and a qualitative research approach, we conducted interviews and focus groups with 27 families over two years to better understand their experiences. We found that the youth and families in our study experienced the following: (1) a recognition of the value of STEM education; (2) the value of consistent support from parents and community members; and (3) appreciation for the practical interventions provided by the university–community partnership. Additionally, families communicated conflicting perceptions of the salience of race and gender. We concluded by discussing the implications of the study findings for higher education scholarship and practice.
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spelling doaj-art-127ff32282a7487ca15bbe700afa160d2025-08-20T02:04:41ZengMDPI AGSocial Sciences2076-07602024-11-01131159310.3390/socsci13110593Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative AnalysisMeseret F. Hailu0Setrag Hovsepian1Mohammed Ibrahim2Bruno Atieh3Saida Mohamed4Nalini Chhetri5Eugene Judson6Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USAArizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USAArizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USAArizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USAArizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USAArizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USAArizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USAIn this original research manuscript, we examined how gender, race, and ethnic heritage shape the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related and higher education aspirations of different communities of refugee youth and families participating in university–community organization partnerships. Families from various ethnic-based community organizations in Arizona (serving Bhutanese, Burundian, Congolese, Somali, and Syrian people) participated in this study. Using social cognitive career theory as our conceptual framework and a qualitative research approach, we conducted interviews and focus groups with 27 families over two years to better understand their experiences. We found that the youth and families in our study experienced the following: (1) a recognition of the value of STEM education; (2) the value of consistent support from parents and community members; and (3) appreciation for the practical interventions provided by the university–community partnership. Additionally, families communicated conflicting perceptions of the salience of race and gender. We concluded by discussing the implications of the study findings for higher education scholarship and practice.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/11/593community partnershipethnic heritagefamiliesrefugeesSTEM higher educationyouth
spellingShingle Meseret F. Hailu
Setrag Hovsepian
Mohammed Ibrahim
Bruno Atieh
Saida Mohamed
Nalini Chhetri
Eugene Judson
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis
Social Sciences
community partnership
ethnic heritage
families
refugees
STEM higher education
youth
title Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis
title_full Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis
title_fullStr Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis
title_full_unstemmed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis
title_short Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Aspirations Among Refugee Families: A Comparative, Multiethnic, Qualitative Analysis
title_sort science technology engineering and mathematics aspirations among refugee families a comparative multiethnic qualitative analysis
topic community partnership
ethnic heritage
families
refugees
STEM higher education
youth
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/11/593
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