Universities Supporting At-Risk Students: Numbers And Initiatives

Student support services are an essential component of the higher education landscape, particularly for at-risk students who face a myriad of challenges that can hinder their academic success and transition to adulthood. These students may struggle with emotional or behavioral problems, truancy, low academic performance, a lack of interest in academics, and feelings of isolation and disconnection from their school environment. Recognizing the importance of intervening to support these students, many universities have invested in various initiatives to foster their success. This includes academic coaching, tutoring, financial aid, and mental health resources, all of which are designed to address the unique needs of at-risk students and improve their overall well-being and long-term outcomes.

Academic coaching

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of academic coaching in improving student outcomes. A study at the University of Memphis, for example, found that students who participated in academic coaching experienced significant GPA increases and were more likely to be retained at the university the following semester compared to those who did not participate.

Another study, focusing on at-risk students, found that a university coaching program significantly increased grade point averages and retention rates. This program aimed to help students navigate the complex college experience and work towards academic success and degree completion.

In addition to improving academic outcomes, academic coaching can also impart critical employment skills that students can carry with them beyond graduation. This type of coaching ensures that students not only succeed academically but also develop the skills and resilience necessary for long-term success and well-being.

Financial aid

There are various scholarship and grant opportunities available to support at-risk students in their pursuit of higher education. These financial aid programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by this demographic and to promote diversity in student populations. The types of financial aid available include:

Scholarships:

• State-based scholarships: For example, the Idaho Minority/At-Risk Scholarship is offered to residents of Idaho who meet specific criteria, such as being a first-generation college student, having a disability, or belonging to an underrepresented ethnic minority group.
• Corporate-funded scholarships: The Dell Scholars Program, funded by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, provides scholarships to low-income and at-risk students demonstrating a determination to succeed academically.
• Charitable foundation scholarships: The Winners for Life Foundation provides scholarships for at-risk and underprivileged students who may lack family support or financial resources to pursue post-secondary education.
• College/university-sponsored scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for at-risk students, such as the Roy P. Drachman Fund at the University of Arizona, which supports students studying in the field of public health.

Grants:

• Federal grants: The Pell Grant is a well-known example, providing up to $5,550 to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. At-risk students often qualify due to their financial circumstances.
• National grants: Certain grants are tailored for specific demographics within the at-risk category, such as the United Negro College Fund for African-American students and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
• Disability-specific grants: Organizations like the Foundation for Science and Disability offer grants to students with disabilities, particularly in the fields of mathematics and science.
• Local grants: Some local non-profit organizations provide grants or scholarships to at-risk students in their communities. For instance, ABLE Boston offers financial aid to at-risk and low-income students to attend private high schools.

Student retention

Universities play a crucial role in addressing these issues and providing the necessary support to help at-risk students succeed. This support can take many forms, including academic coaching, tutoring, financial aid, and mental health services.

One effective approach is to provide academic coaching or mentoring to at-risk students. This involves assigning a dedicated person to support the student and help them navigate their academic and personal challenges. For example, Illinois Central College introduced academic coaching as part of their five-year strategic plan to improve student outcomes, focusing on students of colour and low-income students. This coaching helps students break through the "I'm not college material" mindset and provides them with the necessary tools and encouragement to succeed.

Another important aspect of student retention is the use of technology. Universities have been leveraging customer relationship management (CRM) software, chatbots, and data analytics to identify and support at-risk students. These technologies enable universities to monitor student performance, communicate effectively, and provide timely interventions. For instance, the University of Connecticut (UConn) developed an in-house software suite, Nexus, that integrates student data, provides advising and tutoring features, and identifies at-risk students early on.

Additionally, universities are also paying special attention to first-generation and low-income students, who may face unique challenges in accessing and succeeding in higher education. UConn, for instance, offered laptop lending programs and improved campus Wi-Fi to ensure that all students had the necessary technology for their studies.

Furthermore, universities are investing in student success initiatives that take a holistic approach to supporting at-risk students. This includes addressing mental health and wellness, which have become increasingly important during the pandemic. Health and wellness apps, for example, can provide students with meditation and stress management techniques, while also serving as a triage tool to connect them with the right level of care.

Overall, universities are committed to providing comprehensive support for at-risk students to improve retention rates and help them succeed academically and transition successfully into adulthood.

Student success technologies

Educational institutions have embraced student success technologies to improve learning outcomes and enhance the overall educational experience. Interactive whiteboards, for instance, transform traditional classrooms into dynamic spaces where students can actively engage with the material. These boards serve as digital canvases, enabling teachers to display and annotate content, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills. Additionally, learning management systems (LMS) streamline course management by providing a centralized platform for course materials, assessments, and student progress tracking. LMS platforms, such as Moodle and Canvas, improve course organization and communication between teachers and students, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience.

The impact of student success technologies extends beyond the classroom, preparing students for the challenges of a technology-driven world. These technologies promote digital literacy and ensure that students develop the skills needed to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital society. By offering flexible and remote learning options, educational institutions can bridge geographical restrictions and broaden access to quality education. This not only enhances engagement and retention but also empowers students from diverse backgrounds to succeed.

Furthermore, student success technologies play a crucial role in addressing specific learning challenges and accommodating diverse learning styles. For instance, educational apps provide interactive and adaptive learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Language learning apps, such as Duolingo, employ gamification to enhance vocabulary recall, while simulation apps offer practical experience in challenging areas. These apps not only make learning more accessible but also more enjoyable, fostering intrinsic motivation and sustained interest in the subject matter.

Lastly, student success technologies have brought about a paradigm shift in assessment and evaluation methods. Proctoring tools, such as ProctorEdu, ensure the integrity of online assessments, allowing students to take exams securely from any location. Additionally, data analytics and learning analytics technologies collect information on student performance, enabling teachers to make informed decisions about course content and instructional methods. By tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs, educational institutions can improve learning outcomes and create a more inclusive learning environment.

In conclusion, student success technologies have transformed higher education by making learning more dynamic, accessible, and personalized. These technologies empower students to take charge of their learning journey, fostering engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration. As technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping well-rounded and future-ready learners becomes increasingly pivotal.

Community and well-being

The University of Connecticut (UConn) has implemented several initiatives to support at-risk students' community and well-being. UConn's Division of Student Affairs launched the U-Kindness website, which enables students to connect with their peers and find virtual and in-person events. Additionally, UConn added a feature to its Nexus web app that allows students to create study groups with their classmates for virtual or in-person meetings, reducing isolation and creating opportunities for socialisation.

UConn also prioritises the mental health and overall well-being of its students. They provide health and wellness apps that offer meditation and stress management techniques, as well as act as triage tools to guide students to the right level of care. UConn's library and student support services lend laptops to students to ensure they have the necessary technology for their studies. Furthermore, UConn provides off-campus students with information on service providers offering free or reduced-cost broadband during the pandemic.

The University of Kentucky (UK) also demonstrates a commitment to student well-being. They have designed interventions and programs such as tutoring and financial aid to support their students. UK uses predictive analytics to identify freshman students who need financial assistance and provides them with additional funding to increase their likelihood of staying enrolled.

Other universities have also recognised the importance of community and well-being for at-risk students. Illinois Central College, for example, introduced academic coaching to support Black and low-income students, who are traditionally classified as high-risk learners. This coaching helps students feel supported and understood, breaking the mindset that "I'm not college material."

Additionally, community colleges play a vital role in student success. They offer stackable credentials, allowing students to earn a certificate and take a break if they can only commit to one semester. This approach recognises that life can get in the way of a student's education and provides them with a pathway to success, even if they need to take a break from their studies.

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