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Mapping Equity and Quality in Mathematics Education pp 569–584Cite as

Equity and Quality in a Mathematics Program for Under-Represented Students at an Elite Public University

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Abstract

We describe the impact of the Douglass Houghton Scholars Program (DHSP), which seeks to increase the enrollment of minorities in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees at the University of Michigan. In the first three years of the program, the number of minority students taking two mathematics courses, earning high grades, and choosing a major in the STEM disciplines increased dramatically. We illustrate that the sustainability of programs such as this one depends on adequate instructional, administrative, and financial support; the articulation of these areas is key for maintaining a high-quality program that will address equity and diversity agendas in higher education institutions.

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Acknowledgments

The Douglass Houghton Scholars Program and the research described herein have been funded in part by a grant from the Ford Foundation to the University of Michigan. Special thanks to all those who have supported the Douglass Houghton Scholars Program through the gift of their time and interest in its students, and to the students themselves for responding so positively.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, University of Michigan, 3111 SEB, 610 East University, 48109-1259, Ann Arbor MI, USA

    Vilma Mesa

Authors
  1. Vilma Mesa
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  2. Robert Megginson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vilma Mesa .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Curtin University of Technology, Perth, West Australia, Australia

    Bill Atweh

  2. University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand, 2050, South Africa

    Mellony Graven

  3. College of Arts and Science, University, Miami, 45056, USA

    Walter Secada

  4. Dept. Education, Learning &, Philosophy, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 10, Aalborg, 9220, Denmark

    Paola Valero

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Mesa, V., Megginson, R. (2010). Equity and Quality in a Mathematics Program for Under-Represented Students at an Elite Public University. In: Atweh, B., Graven, M., Secada, W., Valero, P. (eds) Mapping Equity and Quality in Mathematics Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9803-0_41

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