Undergraduate Research for Two-Year College Students has Major Benefits: Enhanced Skills, Confidence, and Sense of Belonging

The merits of undergraduate research are well-established at four year institutions, but its impact at two-year colleges remains underexplored. During this study we investigated a Pacific Northwest two-year college physics education research program to identify possible impacts of undergraduate research on the academic journey of two-year college students. We interviewed current and former students, using a protocol we designed, specifically asking open-ended questions about how research experiences shaped them personally and academically. Through qualitative analysis, we identified key themes in students' responses, including: increased sense of belonging, enhanced self-confidence, stronger community building, and readiness for university transfer. These findings suggest that undergraduate research may contribute to better student retention, completion, and transfer rates. This presentation highlights the valuable work already occurring at the two-year college level and advocates for expanding research opportunities to further support these students in their academic and professional paths.