What Higher Ed Access Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Measuring Success in Higher Education: Scholarship for Foster Care Participants Grant The Scholarship for Foster Care Participants grant program, funded by the Foundation, requires rigorous measurement of outcomes to ensure effective use of funds. As the primary sector, Higher Education institutions play a vital role in tracking and reporting the impact of this grant on eligible students, aged 25 or younger, who are or have been foster care participants. ### Tracking Progress and Outcomes To comply with the grant requirements, Higher Education institutions must establish a robust measurement framework. This involves setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with the grant's objectives, such as the number of students supported, academic progress, and completion rates. Institutions should also track students' participation in foster care programs and any additional support services provided. The Higher Education Act (HEA) grant guidelines provide a foundation for developing these metrics. One concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the requirement to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when collecting and reporting student data. This regulation ensures the protection of sensitive student information. A verifiable delivery challenge unique to the Higher Education sector is ensuring that financial aid offices and academic advisors are adequately trained to support students who are or have been in foster care. These students often face distinct challenges, such as unstable home environments and lack of familial support, which can impact their academic performance. ### Reporting Requirements and Compliance Grant recipients must submit regular reports to the Foundation, detailing the outcomes achieved and challenges faced. These reports should be informed by data collected on the established KPIs. The reporting requirements are likely to include metrics on student retention, academic achievement, and graduation rates, as well as information on how the grant funds were used to support these students. The Emergency CARES Act and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) have set precedents for reporting requirements in response to crises, which may inform the expectations for this grant. To avoid eligibility barriers and compliance traps, Higher Education institutions should be aware of the specific documentation required for students who are or have been in foster care. This may include verification of foster care status and documentation of any additional support services provided. The TEACH Grant program provides a useful example of how to navigate these complexities. ### FAQs for Higher Education Applicants Q: How do we ensure that our data collection and reporting processes comply with FERPA requirements when tracking students who are or have been in foster care? A: To comply with FERPA, ensure that all student data is handled confidentially and that access is restricted to authorized personnel. You should also obtain necessary consents from students before sharing their information. Q: What are the key metrics we should track to demonstrate the impact of the Scholarship for Foster Care Participants grant on student outcomes? A: Key metrics may include student retention rates, academic progress, graduation rates, and the number of students receiving additional support services. These metrics should be tailored to the specific objectives of the grant. Q: How can we effectively coordinate with financial aid offices and academic advisors to support students who are or have been in foster care? A: Effective coordination involves providing training on the specific needs of students who are or have been in foster care and ensuring that financial aid and academic advising processes are tailored to support these students. Regular communication and collaboration between departments are essential.