Tracking persistence in STEMM: From application aspirations to college degrees

Despite over half of applicants expressing interest in STEMM fields, significant disparities persist in degree completion rates.

Key findings include:

• Over half of continuing-generation, White, and Asian STEMM aspirants earn a STEMM degree, compared to just over one-third of first-generation and Latinx applicants, and 28% of Black or African American applicants.
• Only 27% of first-generation STEMM-interested applicants report participating in STEMM-related extracurricular activities, compared to 44% of continuing-generation applicants.
• 18% of Black or African American applicants took two or more AP or IB STEMM courses in high school, compared to 52% of Asian applicants.

These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support all groups in STEMM fields.