These materials will help you to facilitate a workshop-style focus group exploring students' basic needs as a key component to whole student success. As we’ve learned from S-STEM Scholars, many STEM students experience non-tuition challenges (e.g., housing instability, childcare needs, mental health challenges) that can prevent their success in college. Listening to and centering students is critical to research and ensuring students are empowered to advance solutions designed to meet their needs.
Focus group participants will (a) learn about recent data on STEM students’ basic needs insecurity; (b) reflect on their own experiences; (c) co-create a “What Others Need to Know About Our Lives Outside School” document; and (d) receive tips for connecting to campus-based resources and advocating for support.
