Student Mental Health Funding: Key Implementation Realities

Measuring Success for Students in Higher Education Initiatives The Grant To Support Excellence In Higher Education, funded by the Banking Institution, aims to improve higher education outcomes for students. As a crucial aspect of this grant, measuring success is essential to understanding the impact of funded initiatives. This section provides an overview of the measurement requirements for student-focused projects.### Key Performance Indicators for Student Success To assess the effectiveness of grant-funded initiatives, the Foundation requires grantees to track and report on specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). For student-focused projects, these KPIs may include metrics such as retention rates, graduation rates, and academic achievement. For instance, a project aimed at improving student outcomes through mentorship programs may track the number of students participating in mentorship programs, their retention rates, and their academic performance compared to non-participants. The Foundation prioritizes KPIs that align with its mission to make the best higher education possible for students, such as increasing access to scholarships for college students and improving graduation rates. In Utah, where the Foundation is active, grantees may need to report on KPIs related to state-specific programs, such as the Utah Promise or Utahn students receiving the Federal Pell Grant.The Foundation also emphasizes the importance of aligning KPIs with federal and state regulations, such as the Higher Education Act of 1965, which governs the administration of federal student aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant. Grantees must ensure that their KPIs comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as those related to data collection and reporting. For example, grantees may need to adhere to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) reporting requirements, which provide a standardized framework for collecting and reporting data on postsecondary education.### Challenges in Measuring Student Outcomes One verifiable delivery challenge unique to measuring student outcomes is the complexity of tracking student progress across multiple institutions and programs. For instance, a student may transfer between institutions or participate in multiple programs, making it difficult to accurately track their outcomes. To address this challenge, grantees may need to develop data systems that can integrate with existing institutional data systems, such as those used to administer Cal Grants or other state-specific programs. Additionally, grantees should be aware of potential eligibility barriers, such as data privacy regulations, that may impact their ability to collect and report on student outcomes. For single mothers or single parents, who may be eligible for specific grants or scholarships, grantees must ensure that their data collection and reporting methods are sensitive to the needs and circumstances of these students.To overcome these challenges, grantees should prioritize data quality, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and develop robust data systems that can track student outcomes over time. By doing so, grantees can provide accurate and meaningful reports to the Foundation, demonstrating the impact of their initiatives on student success. The Foundation, in turn, can use this information to inform its grant-making decisions and promote excellence in higher education.Q: How do I determine the most relevant KPIs for my student-focused project? A: To determine the most relevant KPIs for your project, review the Foundation's grant guidelines and consult with Foundation staff. Consider the specific goals and objectives of your project, as well as the metrics that are most likely to demonstrate its impact on student outcomes, such as graduate school scholarships or federal Pell grant recipients.Q: What are the reporting requirements for grantees, and how often must we submit reports? A: Grantees are required to submit regular reports to the Foundation, typically on a quarterly or annual basis. The specific reporting requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement and may include narrative reports, financial reports, and data on KPIs, such as the number of students receiving scholarships or grants for college.Q: Can I use existing data systems to track student outcomes, or do I need to develop a new system? A: You may be able to use existing data systems to track student outcomes, but you should ensure that these systems are compatible with the Foundation's reporting requirements and can provide the necessary data on KPIs, such as those related to single parent grants or scholarships for college students.