The Brandeis Science Posse: Using the Group Model to Retain Students in the Sciences

Abstract

For the past five years, the Brandeis Science Posse program has recruited and retained students from underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines. In collaboration with the Posse Foundation, we have facilitated the formation of a close-knit, mutually supportive learning community, or a “science posse” for sixty students from New York City public high schools. We have investigated how resilience has impacted retention of Science Posse Scholars in STEM fields. We have found that Science Posse Scholars have multiple criteria by which they evaluate personal success and that an upward trajectory over their STEM career leads to their overall resilience. Helping students articulate and define personal perceptions of success throughout their academic career may help retain them in STEM fields.

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