Starting at the STEM: Investigating Stakeholder Needs to Empower Primary School Students with a Second and Third-Generation Non-Western Migration Background Residing in Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods to Realise Their (Technical) Educational Potential

Abstract

Students with non-Western migration backgrounds and lower socioeconomic status are underrepresented in higher levels of Dutch education. This is known as the “Leaky Pipeline” problem. Through semi-structured interviews (n=14), this study assesses stakeholders’ (parents, schools, and municipal and civil society organisations) needs, as a first step toward an early intervention by TU Delft aimed at addressing this issue. The study argues for the need for alignment between stakeholders; critical reflection; supporting and leveraging existing networks; fostering families’ resilience, confidence, and social capital; (safe) spaces for students; improved information accessibility; positive role models; and reducing the gap between parents, teachers and STEM education and careers. Based on this, the study proposes several potential areas for intervention.