Estimating Return on Social Investment for High School Completion Programs Using On Track to Graduation Metrics

• In Event: 53.041 - Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Accountability in Schools: Showcasing the Work of Graduate Student Scholars

Abstract

Cost-effectiveness is a critical outcome in program evaluation. This study used the Chicago Public Schools’ on track to graduation indicator (OTI) to estimate lifetime social return on investment (ROI) for 30 AT&T Aspire funded high-school completion programs, serving N=14,540 students. Treatment and control groups were tracked pre- and post in 2014/15. The net number of program students experiencing improved outcomes (from off to on-track, or remaining on-track) was estimated at N=283 across all programs. Based on counts alone, this may appear to represent a small impact (2% of students), however if one assumes each improved outcome results in high-school graduation, then increased lifetime earnings estimates range from $89 million to $283 million from an investment of $6.25 million.

Authors

• Sadeq Sohrabie, Westat

• Eric L. Rolfhus, Westat

• Eishi Adachi, Westat

• Emily A. Diaz, Westat

• Lauren Decker

• Gay Lamey, Westat