Improving College Attendance for At-Risk Youth: Impacts and Costs of the Advancement via Individual Determination/Teens of Promise (AVID/TOPS) Program

• In Event: 41.033 - Beyond College Aspirations: Credit Transfers, Advisement, and College Readiness

Abstract

Post-secondary educational attainment for disadvantaged populations remains an issue of equity. Many programs attempt to address this gap through the educational pipeline by intervening prior to high school graduation. These programs can be costly and resource intensive. AVID is one such program that has gained traction nationally and internationally. While the program remains popular, there is limited evidence to its effectiveness. We show the positive effects on student post-secondary outcomes of a specialized AVID program that has paired the national AVID curriculum with supplemental services both within high school and through college. We describe the program, its effects by program and subgroup, and report the cost-effectiveness of the program.

Authors

• Rachel C Feldman, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Tammy Kolbe, The University of Vermont

• Peter Miles Kinsley, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Sara Goldrick-Rab, Temple University