Evaluation for Impact: Using Matched Samples to Measure the Impact of a Hispanic-Serving Institution STEM Grant Program on Latina/o STEM Success

• In Event: 52.043 - STEM Student Success: From Transfer to Baccalaureate Completion

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of an HSI-STEM grant project on the academic achievement and persistence of STEM transfer students at a comprehensive state university. Using propensity score matching, findings suggest Latino/a transfer STEM students who participate in HSI-STEM programming had higher cumulative GPAs at graduation, higher 6-year graduation rates, and persisted at higher rates in STEM majors than the comparison group. Controlling for the number of different HSI-STEM programs that participants complete suggested program effects are additive and are associate with increased likelihood of graduating within three years of transfer. Implications for policy and practice will be included in the full paper and consist of capacity building and institutionalization, university system collaborations, and periodic assessment.

Authors

• Avery B. Olson, California State University - Long Beach

• Hannah Whang Sayson, University of California - Los Angeles

• Melissa M. Mahoney, California State University - Long Beach