Examining the Effectiveness of the Upward Bound Programs

• In Event: Transitions and Trajectories: The Nexus of Moving in and out of Higher Education

Abstract

This study aims at examining the effectiveness of the federally-funded Upward Bound programs administered in an urban southwestern city. In a collaboration with the program administrators and school district, an extensive dataset has been obtained and processed to compare the college enrollment status of the program participants and non-participants with similar backgrounds. A propensity score matching analysis is conducted to approximate the randomized control trial setting for a better examination of the true program effect. Initial findings are provided based on partially received data from specific years. Final analyses are planned to be performed on larger data that also cover former academic years.

Authors

• Annie Wright, Southern Methodist University
  Presenting Author

• Yusuf Kara, Southern Methodist University
  Non-Presenting Author

• LaChelle Cunningham, Southern Methodist University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Anthony J. Petrosino, Southern Methodist University
  Non-Presenting Author