ARC25 Agenda – Sat, Feb 1

10:30 to 11:30 am, Park Suites (Shawnee/Cherokee)

Empowering Rural Students for Success in STEM: Recognizing the Hidden Strengths 

Session Presenter: Alena Smith

Rural students often face a unique set of challenges when entering higher education, including stigma and bias due to their backgrounds. This can lead to academic struggles, mental health challenges, and prolonged educational paths. However, by reframing the narrative and recognizing the valuable skills rural students bring with them — skills developed from their upbringing — academic success in STEM can be achieved. Growing up in rural communities fosters resilience, resourcefulness, community collaboration, and the ability to overcome adversity — qualities that are essential for scientific progress. These skills are not only transferable to STEM fields, but they are often the very traits that drive innovation and discovery. In this session, I will highlight these strengths, share real-world examples, and explore how empowering rural students with positive reinforcement can help them thrive in STEM education.