Plano, Texas, December 28, 2009 — As part of the development of its Suder Scholars Program, the Suder Foundation (TSF) has engaged Career and Educational Consulting Services (CECS) to assume assessment and research functions associated with the Program.
The Suder Foundation is preparing to launch the Suder Scholars Program at two large public four-year universities in August, 2010. The Program’s combination of scholarships and support services for those selected is designed to promote academic success and persistence of first-generation college students. Assessment of scholar needs and potential success is a critical element of the Program, along with development of an individualized success plan and coordination and delivery of services through dedicated staff at each university.
Central to becoming a national model is the collection of process and outcome data and sharing such data for program improvement and replication. “Measuring program outcomes and sharing that information is important,” said Eric Suder, President of the Suder Foundation. “We intend to build an evidence-based model to raise the graduation rates of first-generation college students. The expertise of the CECS team makes them an excellent choice to oversee the evaluation of our program across participating universities.”
Career and Educational Consulting Services, LLC (CECS) consults with secondary and post-secondary institutions on developing and implementing student academic and career success programs. Led by Dr. Paul Gore and Dr. Wade Leuwerke, CECS conducts research on factors that predict college students’ academic and career success, and promotes the use of data-driven strategies to increase academic performance and student retention. Dr. Gore has authored over 50 book chapters and journal articles, and delivered over 100 professional presentations. Dr. Leuwerke has over 30 journal articles, book chapters, and presentations in this field.
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 Scholars program, visit www.firstscholars.org.
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