The purpose of this study is to find the role of mentoring relationships for STEM student success within the Bridges Scholars community at Miami University. The Bridges Scholars program is a program that is dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity while also providing students with resources needed to navigate throughout college. The research was conducted using a mixed method approach. Quantitative data was collected via a survey that was emailed to 53 students within the Bridges Scholars community. Qualitative data was collected both, via open ended questions asked on the survey and an in-depth interview with a Bridges Scholar majoring in the STEM field. The results revealed two primary trends. First, a significant number of participants in the study were unaware that mentoring relationships were obtainable and available to them. Second, a number of participants described themselves as ‘too busy’ to have a mentoring relationship. Although not a major finding, the data also suggests that a positive impact of a mentoring relationship is that the mentored student becomes more willing to serve as a mentor to another student. This notion of reciprocity has great implications for Miami University students in STEM majors. More research is needed to further explore the impact a mentoring relationship can have on Miami college students preparing for STEM careers.
Author: Nathan Timm
Faculty Advisor: Monica Adkins, Student Success Center
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