EPI’s Outstanding Student Retention Program Award is presented annually to a four- or two-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 post secondary 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.

Nomination Process

Anyone may nominate a program for consideration. To nominate a program for the 2008 Outstanding Student Retention Program Award, please email us at info@educationalpolicy.org.