Ripples of Influence: Using Storytelling to Empower the Kauffman Scholars in Representing Their Lived Experiences

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Examining the Role of Support Programs in Student Postsecondary Success (Table 31)

Abstract

This evaluation examines the ripple effect of Kauffman Scholars Incorporated (KSI), a 20-year old postsecondary scholarship program based in Kansas City. We employ a unique, mixed-methods approach that focuses on centering participant voice to analyze multiple forms of data (secondary data, staff interview data, surveys of over 2000+ people impacted by KSI, storytelling interviews with KSI Scholars and people in their lives). Our aim is to describe the rich story of KSI and its evolution over time, offering lessons learned and unique insights for similar programs or organizations. We also demonstrate the power of putting agency in those who understand their stories the best—the people who experienced or shaped the KSI program—in the evaluation process.

Authors

• Debbie Kim, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Carol McElvain, NORC at the University of Chicago