Low-SES first-generation students’ decision to pursue engineering

“The ability of this nation to provide a growing economy, strong health and human services, and a secure and safe nation depends upon a vibrant, creative, and diverse engineering and science workforce”. 1 To contribute to technological advancements, engage in global collaboration,solve complex problems, encourage a more socially just profession, and respond to the predicted shortage of American engineers, it is necessary for this nation’s engineering workforce and university student bodies to be more diverse in its racial, gender, and socioeconomic (SES) representation. The lack of representation in SES is the focus of this research.