Supporting racial, ethnic minority, and disadvantaged undergraduate nursing students with honors projects

Abstract

Background: Underrepresented racial and ethnic minority (UREM) and disadvantaged background (DB) students often feel a lack of belonging and community in higher education. Participation in Honors Programs has been shown to build a sense of belonging and community associated with short and long-term benefits for both students and their academic institutions.

Purpose: To describe the program we implemented (the MM program) to increase UREM and DB student representation in a SON Honors Program.

Method: A prospective, descriptive study of SON UREM and DB honors students with a May graduation date of 2017-2020.

Results: A total of 129 students completed honors with 23 MM UREM and DB students completing honors. Seven received highest honors award distinction that exemplifies exceptional work at a level beyond usually high expectations.

Conclusions: A supportive environment for UREM and DB students with resources are essential for students to consider and also complete an honors project.

Keywords: Disadvantaged background; Honors; Undergraduate nursing students; Underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities.