Integrated and comprehensive student support programs aimed at historically underserved students: Creating a unified community of support

Abstract

While numerous support programs have evolved to support underrepresented students in higher education, these programs are often disconnected from the curriculum and only target one area of student need. Emerging research indicates that integrated programs which combine multiple curricular and co-curricular supports may be a more effective way to support historically underserved students. In this article, we report on one such integrated program in the United States, CSU STEM Collaboratives. We describe how integrated programs benefit students as well as the broader campus community by creating a unified community of support that fosters collaboration and connection.