Evaluation of the Act 101 Program

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dorie Evensen, Donald Heller & Robert Reason, Co-Principal Investigators

Act 101 "provides support services for undergraduate students whose cultural, economic and educational disadvantages might impede their ability to pursue higher education opportunities successfully. Through a program of tutoring, counseling, curricular innovation, and cultural enrichment activities, students develop as campus leaders and graduate with marketable skills" (Pennsylvania Department of Education website). The evaluation is incorporating both quantitative analyses of data submitted by Act 101 programs, as well as other data, along with qualitative analyses of data collected through interviews and focus groups, on-site observations, and document analyses. The evaluation includes:

• a review of existing literature related to retention and success of at-risk students in higher education, with a focus on best practices;
• an analysis of quantitative data to determine what program interventions and policies are related to student success;
• qualitative case studies of specific institutions to highlight best practices, including an analysis of summer bridge programs;
• programmatic and policy recommendations, including a proposed plan to expand or alter the program based on the findings of the evaluation.