Plano, Texas, April 30, 2009 — The Suder Foundation has made its initial grant awards to three researchers to identify characteristics of college student success as part of the Foundation’s program development process. Researchers will conduct literature reviews to identify traits associated with success in college as well as interventions that could be implemented to support students. The researchers will also review existing assessments considering non-cognitive factors and recommend a tool to utilize in the selection of scholarship applicants.
The $10,000 research grants were awarded to: Michael Wallace, Ph.D., Morehead State University; Rachel Pickett, Ph.D., University of Utah; and Andrea Tawney, M.Ed., Texas Tech University. Their work will support the program development efforts of the Suder Foundation as it strives to create an evidence-based program of support services for first-generation college students.
“We were impressed with the different approaches each of the grantees presented to study this issue,” said Eric Suder, President of the Suder Foundation. “We look forward to receiving the recommendations and using the information to design a support program to maximize students’ ability to earn their degrees.”
The Suder Foundation partners with selected public universities to provide seed funding for a holistic support program for students who are first in their family to attend college. In addition to multi-year scholarships, students selected as Scholars will participate in mentoring, tutoring, and campus and community engagement opportunities designed to increase their retention and, ultimately, graduation from college. Established in 2008, the Suder Foundation is a private foundation with headquarters in Plano, Texas.
For more information about the Suder Foundation and its First Scholars program, visit www.firstscholars.org.
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