EPI’s Award for Outstanding Student Retention Program is presented annually to a two- or four-year institution that exhibits excellence in the development and implementation of a student retention program. Research has shown that students who drop out or stop postsecondary education not only personally suffer negative consequences, but also pass those consequences on to society and the institution itself. By honoring the excellent work being done by institutions today to create programs that use innovative means to help students realize their goals, EPI hopes to further its mission of creating opportunities for minority students at post secondary institutions.

Successful student retention programs recognize that cognitive, social and institutional factors all play a role in student retention and persistence. The most effective student retention programs address these three components by examining financial aid packages, course availability and content, as well as implementing support mechanisms such as tutoring, mentoring, and career counseling. It is also imperative to have a means of tracking students through school and monitoring the program’s success so that the institution may determine which methods are effective and those that need improvement. For example, programs may be in areas of financial aid, student services, academic services, and recruitment and admissions, among others. Individuals interested in submitting their program/strategy for inclusion in our database must complete an application, which includes a program description, evidence of success, and other particulars. Eligible entries will be reviewed by a team of experts for the top program and acknowledgement. The application deadline for the 2007 award is February 15, 2007.

Please contact Sarah Hosford for more information.