The State of STEM Education Funding in 2024

Measuring Success for Student GrantsThe measurement role for student grants focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of projects supported by the Funding to Teaching & Research Grants Call for Proposals. To assess the impact of these grants, it's essential to understand the scope and boundaries of the measurement process.The scope of measurement for student grants includes tracking the progress and outcomes of projects that utilize Center collections in teaching and research activities. Concrete use cases include assessing the integration of Center resources into coursework, evaluating the quality of research projects, and monitoring the development of skills and knowledge among student grant recipients. Applicants should be aware that the measurement process is designed to capture the nuances of individual projects, and not all projects will be a good fit for this grant program.### Trends in Student Grant MeasurementRecent policy shifts have prioritized the use of data-driven approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of grant programs. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on capacity building for measurement and evaluation among grant recipients. The Banking Institution, as the funder, is likely to require more sophisticated measurement and reporting from grant recipients in the future. To meet these requirements, applicants should be prepared to develop robust measurement plans that incorporate relevant metrics and data collection strategies.In terms of market shifts, there is a growing demand for online and hybrid learning opportunities, which may impact the types of projects that are supported through this grant program. Applicants should be aware of these trends and consider how their projects can adapt to changing student needs and preferences. For instance, a project that incorporates Center resources into an online course may need to develop innovative approaches to measuring student engagement and learning outcomes.### Operational Challenges in Measuring Student GrantsOne of the primary delivery challenges for measuring student grants is ensuring that data collection and reporting requirements are manageable for grant recipients. To address this challenge, the Banking Institution may need to provide additional support and resources for grant recipients, such as training and technical assistance. Workflow and staffing considerations will also be critical, as grant recipients will need to balance the demands of project implementation with the requirements of measurement and reporting.A specific regulation that applies to this sector is the requirement to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when collecting and reporting data on student outcomes. Applicants should be aware of this requirement and ensure that their measurement plans are FERPA-compliant.A verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is the need to measure the impact of projects on student learning outcomes, particularly in the context of complex and nuanced research projects. For example, a project that uses Center resources to support a research paper on economic inequality may need to develop a customized measurement plan that captures the specific skills and knowledge gained by the student.To be eligible for funding, applicants must be University of Wyoming students, and their projects must align with the goals and objectives of the Funding to Teaching & Research Grants Call for Proposals. Applicants should be aware that failure to comply with measurement and reporting requirements may result in ineligibility for future funding.The required outcomes for student grants include demonstrating the effective use of Center collections in teaching and research activities, as well as measuring the impact of projects on student learning outcomes. Key performance indicators (KPIs) may include metrics such as student engagement, course completion rates, and research productivity. Reporting requirements will likely include regular progress reports and a final report that summarizes project outcomes and impact.Q: How do I determine the right metrics to measure the success of my project? A: The metrics you choose should align with the goals and objectives of your project, as well as the requirements of the Funding to Teaching & Research Grants Call for Proposals. Consider using a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics to capture the nuances of your project.Q: What types of projects are most likely to be funded under this grant program? A: Projects that demonstrate innovative uses of Center collections in teaching and research activities are likely to be prioritized. Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate a clear plan for measuring and evaluating project outcomes.Q: How can I ensure that my measurement plan is compliant with FERPA requirements? A: Be sure to consult with relevant University of Wyoming staff and review FERPA guidelines to ensure that your measurement plan is compliant. Consider seeking additional guidance from the Banking Institution or other relevant resources if needed.