The Development and Pursuit of Engineering Interests among Native American Students
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| Title: | The Development and Pursuit of Engineering Interests among Native American Students |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sherri Turner, Carolyn Berger, Gale Mason-Chagil, Seth Christman, Katherine Sylvia, Ayn Rassier, Kayla Kemp, Rileigh Coyle, Manos Hatzimalonas, Sue C. Jacobs, Nicole Colston |
| Source: | Journal of College Student Development. 2026 67(2):144-160. |
| Availability: | Johns Hopkins University Press. 2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Tel: 800-548-1784; Tel: 410-516-6987; Fax: 410-516-6968; e-mail: jlorder@jhupress.jhu.edu; Web site: https://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/list |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | American Indian Students, College Students, Engineering Education, Student Interests, Barriers, Social Support Groups, Predominantly White Institutions, Student Experience, Cultural Influences, Disproportionate Representation, Educational Background |
| Geographic Terms: | Oklahoma, Utah, Minnesota |
| DOI: | 10.1353/csd.2026.a986507 |
| ISSN: | 0897-5264 1543-3382 |
| Abstract: | Engineering is a quickly expanding field; however, Native Americans are one of its most underrepresented groups. Ensuring opportunities for Native Americans to pursue engineering is vital for their communities and for fostering a diverse, innovative workforce. Using a phenomenological qualitative research design and Tribal Critical Race Theory, we investigated the lived experiences of 26 Native American engineering students as they reflected on how their interests in engineering developed, as well as how the barriers they encountered and the supports and resources they utilized influenced their engineering educational and career pursuits. We uncovered 5 themes in the data: The Development of Interests in Engineering, Barriers to Pursuing Engineering, Supports and Resources Utilized, Strategies for Overcoming Barriers, and A Desire to Give Back to the Native American Community. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506626 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Engineering is a quickly expanding field; however, Native Americans are one of its most underrepresented groups. Ensuring opportunities for Native Americans to pursue engineering is vital for their communities and for fostering a diverse, innovative workforce. Using a phenomenological qualitative research design and Tribal Critical Race Theory, we investigated the lived experiences of 26 Native American engineering students as they reflected on how their interests in engineering developed, as well as how the barriers they encountered and the supports and resources they utilized influenced their engineering educational and career pursuits. We uncovered 5 themes in the data: The Development of Interests in Engineering, Barriers to Pursuing Engineering, Supports and Resources Utilized, Strategies for Overcoming Barriers, and A Desire to Give Back to the Native American Community. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0897-5264 1543-3382 |
| DOI: | 10.1353/csd.2026.a986507 |
