March/April 2019

PE Report
Academies Call for Greater Support of Minority-Serving Colleges

To meet the nation’s demand for STEM talent, organizations and policymakers should ramp up resources to minority-serving institutions, according to a National Academies report.

The National Academies categorizes “minority-serving institutions” as primarily historically black colleges and universities and tribal colleges and universities. Currently, there are 700 two- and four-year minority serving institutions, which educate about 30% of US undergraduates.

The report research committee found that seven strategies should be used to strengthen the quality of STEM education and workforce preparation within these institutions:

• Dynamic, multilevel, mission-driven leaders. Leaders should have a clear vision and a willingness to hold themselves accountable for committing the necessary capital, educational resources, and services to meet the needs of their student body.
• Institutional responsiveness to meet students where they are. Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) include a high percentage of low-income and nontraditional students. Many self-finance their education and attend school part-time while also working and supporting families. Institutions need to implement policies and practices that support students who may need additional academic, financial, and social support and flexibility.
• Supportive campus environments. A welcoming campus climate that supports a sense of community and an equity-oriented culture that contributes to academic attainment and professional commitment.
• Tailored academic and social supports. Intentional policies and holistic supports, such as Summer Bridge programs and supplemental instruction, help guide students through higher education.
• Mentorship and sponsorship. Strong mentorship is frequently cited in research literature as key to student success at MSIs.
• Availability of undergraduate research experiences. These experiences are important for students who seek to enter graduate programs and professional fields.
• Mutually beneficial public- and private-sector partnerships. These collaborations can provide alternative funding mechanisms and research opportunities for students.

Access the report Minority Serving Institutions: America’s Underutilized Resource for Strengthening the STEM Workforce at www.nap.edu.