*2.4.2 STEM learning community*

A STEM learning community (SLC) is a type of SIP in which STEM students join a learning community to accomplish their goals with a group goal and share learning experiences or activities in and outside of classes and are often organized around a common theme. Students connect with peers, faculty, administrators, and industry, conduct research, and participate in community service events. SLCs may include a residential component called a living-learning community. HEIs use learning communities (LCs) to promote the academic and social integration of entering students, especially within STEM majors so that entering STEM freshmen have a support base for their college transition and beyond. A study showed that by adding friendships to the same biological sciences freshman cohort it led to a support base for STEM students but had a negative impact when students were segmented based on their academic records [33]. In a second study, a case study of 119 student narratives of an SLC found that the psychosocial or learning factors for students identified were improved as a result of their participation in a STEM learning community [34]. The studies found that the SLCs resulted in friendship support and other support, such that the participants' grades and GPAs increased.
