Developmental science concepts guide effective support of underrepresented STEM students

Abstract

Supportive programming is frequently designed to increase the success of underrepresented groups in STEM. In this article, we introduce three guiding concepts from developmental psychology (developmental trajectories, developmentally appropriate practices, and holism) and explain how they relate to effective support of students from underrepresented groups. We provide examples of successful applications of these principles in classes, degree programs, and research experiences. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):506–512, 2019.