Becoming a "Game Changer": Complete College America's Evolving Network and Growing Role in Higher Education

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 64
  In Roundtable Session: New Perspectives on State Policy Creation, Diffusion, and Outcomes

Abstract

Complete College America (CCA) operates as one of the leading single-issue intermediaries advocating specific college completion solutions and providing information and data to its Alliance of States. Our paper examines the evolution of CCA and its influence on state-level college completion efforts through research brokering activities. We employ an embedded comparative case study of three states — Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas — that are CCA members and share regional and demographic characteristics. Preliminary findings suggest CCA created a network by strategically identifying, approaching, communicating, and aligning themselves with power brokers in both the completion sphere and targeted states.

Authors

• Erik C. Ness, University of Georgia

• Paul G. Rubin, University of Utah

• Lindsey Dawn Hammond, University of Georgia