“The Help I Was Told I Never Would Receive”: Findings From the Detroit Promise Path Program

• In Event: College Access Programs and College Enrollment

Abstract

Detroit students who obtain a college degree overcome many obstacles to do so. The Detroit Promise Path (DPP) program was designed to complement an existing College Promise scholarship, providing students with coaching, summer engagement, and financial incentives. This paper summarizes results of a randomized evaluation, indicating that students who were offered the program enrolled in more semesters and earned more credits compared with those offered the scholarship alone but that, at the three-year mark, there were no discernable impacts on degrees earned. Additionally, through student surveys and focus groups, we find students benefit from proactive outreach and coaching, and financial incentives to meet with coaches, but still face barriers including transportation and funds for non-tuition expenses.

Authors

• Jasmina Camo-Biogradlija, University of Michigan

• Stacey L. Brockman, Wayne State University

• Alyssa Ratledge, MDRC

• Rebekah O'Donoghue, MDRC