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Category: Project

Description: Economic Mobility Corporation (Mobility) is conducting a randomized controlled trial evaluation of the expansion of Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) in two West Virginia community colleges, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. ASAP provides comprehensive academic, personal, and financial supports to low-income students. Prior studies have found that ASAP produces large impacts on degree completion. The WV adaptation of the program, ASCEND, will focus on students in occupational programs that are aligned with higher-wage jobs in the local economy. The study’s primary outcome is degree or credential completion three years after random assignment, measured with data from the participating colleges and the National Student Clearinghouse. The study will also measure initial workforce earnings during the three years and assess the program’s cost effectiveness.