Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Motivational Factors And Opportunities To Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Majors Among Native Hawaiian And Other Pacific Islanders (Nhpi), Shanthia Espinosa, Alma M. O. Trinidad

McNair Symposium

Higher education is a contentious space that poses challenges and barriers to the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This study explores the motivational factors and opportunities to STEM fields among Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (NHPI). A qualitative method was used in this study, examining public archival data (e.g., videos, recordings, digital information, etc.) of self-identified NHPI scientists, scholar-activists, leaders, and their narratives of entering the STEM fields. Specifically, the portrayal of needs and promotion of NHPI representation and access were examined, including messages that inspire and encourage STEM interest among NHPI youth. This study explores motivation, opportunities, and …