“…Community-oriented approaches have shown success in contributing to factors that aid in student retention. One study found that meetings with faculty, peer support groups, and leadership opportunities resulted in higher academic performance and enhanced retention of underrepresented students in electrical and computer engineering departments [11]. A university engineering program facilitated engagement activities, systematic meetings, and dedication of physical space (a "third space" [12]), which made women engineering students feel more connected to faculty and other female peers and enhanced their identity development [13].…”