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Grants Administration

Computer Science, Mathematics & Technology (CMT)
Academic Rewards Program

Assessment and Evaluation

Evaluation will be conducted consistent with NSF's 2002 User Friendly Handbook for Project Evaluations. 11 Formative evaluation will include implementation evaluation (whether the project is being conducted as planned) and progress evaluation (whether objectives are being met). The PI and Co-PI's will maintain records to conduct implementation evaluation including the Scholars' contact information, identified educational and career goals, race/ethnicity/disability, gender, grade point average, courses completed and level of participation in required and optional activities. A Scholar's feedback survey will also be conducted each term by the PI. This data will be evaluated each semester by the PAT. Calhoun's Research Coordinator will assist with progress evaluation using both quantitative and qualitative measures every semester to assist the PI and PAT in determining whether the six identified objectives are being attained. Each objective has been stated so that outcome measures needed are clearly identifiable. The College Student Information System data will be the source of most quantitative data needed to assess progress. Data collected on scholars and on a comparable cohort each term will include enrollment by program, demographics (gender, race, disability, disadvantaged, geographic origin), financial aid received, grades in each course, major, retention, credit hours completed, grade point average, progress toward graduation, graduation, transfer, and employment information. The PI and PAT will use the formative evaluation results to improve the CMT Academic Rewards Program.

Summative evaluation will be conducted at the end of each budget period and at the end of the project. Summative evaluation will use the progress data collected each term, the financial aid office records of awards received, project expenditures and follow-up data. Follow-up data will be collected annually on each former Scholar's continuing education status, employment status, type of position and link to field of study. Follow-up will be conducted for at least 2 years after exit. Summative data will be reported as required to NSF through the Fastlane system. Any un-anticipated outcomes identified will also be reported.

Dissemination of Project Information. The PI, a Co-PI, or other member of the PAT will provide presentations on the impact and outcomes of the CMT Academic Rewards Program at appropriate professional venues in the College's service area or at state conferences. These opportunities include recruiting visits, industry groups, workshops, conferences, and professional development seminars. The results of the annual evaluations will also be available to others who are attempting to operate similar programs, either in hard copy or electronic format.

A CMT Academic Rewards Program webpage on Calhoun's web site will be used to share Program activities and resources with potential scholars, educators, and others who may want to learn more about, replicate, or participate in the Program. Scholars, who may want to utilize the experience gained from their field of study, will have opportunities to develop and maintain web pages which will assist in the dissemination of information, under the guidance of the Public Relations Webmaster.

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