Evaluation of Austin Community College’s Strengthening Institutions Program Grant: Implementation Evaluation Findings Through July 2018
Authors: Cynthia Juniper and Greg Cumpton
Date: November 2018
Publication Type: Report, 41pp.
The Student Money Management Office (SMMO) implementation study seeks to document the evolution of the program from the initial development and implementation starting in July 2016, continuing throughout the duration of the program. The study examines modifications in program design in order to understand how, when, and why changes were made. It is an essential source of information for interpreting the outcomes and impacts of student participation in the programs supported under the grant.
A previous report documents implementation study findings from the first program year. This update examines implementation and key changes in the SMMO program through August 2018. A key finding of the implementation study to date is that SMMO has approached the design of the program through a continuous improvement process. Modifications to the original program design include the expansion of partnerships, changes to the venue through which students can track financial aid, and a campaign to guide students to establish and maintain an emergency savings account. The implementation of these modifications can play an important factor in student access to information and the impact on student behavior.
This report is divided into three main sections: text messaging interventions, financial literacy outreach and education, and student access to financial aid information. This report presents detailed information regarding each specific initiative, progress made on the implementation of the initiative, key modifications made during the 2017-2018 program year, and factors that impede or support the program in meeting the stated objectives. The final section of this report provides a summary discussion and presents recommendations for next steps for the SMMO project.
