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Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of female students pursuing STEM degrees and actively participating in student organizations focused on their majors and how their involvement has shaped their sense of belonging, academic persistence, and retention in STEM majors. Each participant shared their experiences as a female student pursuing a STEM degree while involved in a major-focused student organization. The findings demonstrate the importance of major-focused student organizations for females in STEM. These organizations provided the participants with a community of peers they could go to for guidance and find a sense of belonging by sharing similar interests. Many shared how major-focused organizations offer great opportunities for networking and career development, which led to affirming their passion for their chosen STEM field. Their involvement has assisted their persistence in male-dominated fields by allowing many to see females in leadership roles, thus providing female representation. Their experiences shared how beneficial involvement in this form of organization aids their sense of belonging, major persistence, and retention.