Increasing Retention of Underrepresented Students in STEM Fields at California Community Colleges: A Study of the STEM 2 Program.

This article examines the impact of the STEM² program (Strengthen Transfer Education and Matriculation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at Cypress College, a community college in Southern California, on retention, transfer rates, and associate degree attainment among STEM students. Analyzing data from 1,113 students between 2012 and 2016, the study found that participation in STEM² significantly increased the odds of earning an associate degree and transferring to a four-year institution, with greater involvement in program activities further enhancing these outcomes. Ethnicity was a notable factor, with Hispanic students showing lower transfer and degree attainment rates compared to Asian students, while gender was not a significant predictor. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive support programs—including counseling, mentoring, and supplemental instruction—at the community college level to improve STEM student success and address underrepresentation.