Background Description

Background Description and Research

Students who don't readily see others like themselves in Tech often wonder whether they belong. This can be particularly problematic during academic transitions, such as entering high school or college. This issue of belonging can be addressed through a one-time 45-minute experience where student participants see short videos or read brief stories made by others like them but who have already passed through these transitions.  Video and story authors describe how they first wondered if they belonged, but now understand that struggling is normal.  

After watching videos or reading stories, student participants then write their reflections and discuss them with each other.  A single such experience can lead to statistically significant increases in GPA and academic persistence, as shown in various studies by Walton & Yeager, referred to in the NYT article Who Gets to Graduate.  This is due in part to students adopting more of a growth mindset.