2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The Husky PAWS (Pathways for Academic Wellness and Success) program at Michigan Tech leverages Yosso’s Cultural Wealth Model [1] framework to select and mentor S-STEM scholars. Husky PAWS began in 2023 with cohort scholar applications reviewed in Spring 2024 and 2025. Selected scholars participated in a 3-week Husky PAWS Summer Bridge in 2024 (Cohort 1) and in 2025 (Cohort 2). Cohort 1 included 6 students and Cohort 2 included 8 scholars. In addition to Cohort Scholars, 12 students received one-year finishing scholarships in their final year before graduating with a B.S. The ultimate program goals are increasing retention and graduation rates of these Pell-eligible scholars to those of non-Pell students.

Centering the Husky PAWS S-STEM scholars as experts in their own lived experience, the Husky PAWS S-STEM program takes a participatory action research (PAR) approach to improving our program. One of the Husky PAWS S-STEM scholars is funded to serve as a PAR co-researcher alongside our project team. This PAR research has worked with our team for over a year refining and improving survey tools and assessment instruments. In addition, a team of Peer Mentors actively engages and guides the S-STEM scholars via academic and social events.

This paper will highlight progress over the two years of the project, and offer key takeaways of the Husky PAWS S-STEM program and adaptation of the Cultural Wealth Model.

[1] T. J. Yosso. “Whose culture has capital? A critical race theory discussion of community cultural wealth.” Race Ethnicity and Education 8(1), 2005, p. 69-91.