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Title: Describing social support networks among student military service members and veterans in STEM majors
Workforce development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is increasingly important to national economic prosperity, health, and security. In recent years, student military service members and veterans (SSM/Vs)—a talented undergraduate population with the technical training and capability to excel in STEM fields—have been one of the fastest-growing groups of nontraditional students in American higher education. Considering the importance of social support networks for STEM majors and SSM/Vs, as demonstrated in past studies, as well as the lack of fundamental research focused on SSM/Vs in STEM, this mixed-method study explores the characteristics and value of social support networks among SSM/Vs in university STEM majors using survey (n=257) and interview (n=44) data. Results show strong SSM/V ties to family and friends, military-affiliated contacts, and significant others, as well as homogenous networks. SSM/Vs also describe the importance of bridging perspectives and role-based support that helps them access informational, task-oriented, and affective resources.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1920482
PAR ID:
10586651
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
Veteran Education to Workforce Affinity and Success Study (VETWAYS), Wisconsin Center for Education Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Date Published:
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
student veterans STEM higher education career development social networks
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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