Ron Brown Scholar Program evaluation MAY 2009 Ron Brown Scholar Program evaluation May 2009 Prepared by: Katie Broton and Dan Mueller Wilder Research 451 Lexington Parkway North Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 651-280-2700 www.wilderresearch.org Contents Summary ............................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 8 Program description ........................................................................................................ 8 Evaluation questions ..................................................................................................... 11 Evaluation methods ....................................................................................................... 11 Survey results .................................................................................................................... 13 Factors in Scholars’ early success................................................................................. 13 Undergraduate college experience ................................................................................ 15 Scholars’ pre-professional internships and other positions .......................................... 18 Scholars’ programs abroad ........................................................................................... 21 Scholars’ community service work ............................................................................... 26 Scholars’ leadership activities....................................................................................... 28 Alumni Scholars’ graduate or professional education .................................................. 33 Alumni Scholars’ employment and other projects........................................................ 37 Importance and helpfulness of Program elements and activities .................................. 42 Scholars’ perspectives and participation in Program elements and activities .............. 47 Overall Program influence on Scholars ........................................................................ 66 Other comments about the Program ............................................................................. 72 Issues to consider .............................................................................................................. 75 Increasing the capacity to meet Scholars’ needs........................................................... 75 Strengthening communications and connections .......................................................... 76 Addressing alumni-specific needs ................................................................................ 77 Developing a more structured mentoring component ................................................... 77 Expanding community service ...................................................................................... 78 Ensuring inclusivity ...................................................................................................... 80 Final note ...................................................................................................................... 80 References ......................................................................................................................... 81 Ron Brown Scholar Program Wilder Research, May 2009 Contents (continued) Appendix ........................................................................................................................... 83 Factors in Scholars early success .................................................................................. 85 Undergraduate college experience ................................................................................ 86 Scholars’ pre-professional internships and other positions .......................................... 89 Scholars’ programs abroad ........................................................................................... 94 Scholars’ community service work ............................................................................... 99 Scholars’ leadership activities..................................................................................... 102 Alumni Scholars’ graduate or professional education ................................................ 107 Alumni Scholars’ employment and other projects...................................................... 110 Current motivating factors for Scholars ...................................................................... 112 Importance and helpfulness of Program elements and activities ................................ 113 Scholars’ perspectives and participation in Program elements and activities ............ 117 Survey instruments...................................................................................................... 127 Ron Brown Scholar Program Wilder Research, May 2009 Figures 1. Current Scholars who have received each type of scholarship ................................. 16 2. Scholars’ undergraduate institution .......................................................................... 16 3. Ron Brown scholarship funds impact on first-choice college attendance ................ 18 4. Scholars’ most recent Program-aided experience abroad ......................................... 22 5. Estimated number of hours Scholars spent on community service work in the past 12 months .......................................................................................................... 28 6. Number of Scholars’ leadership positions ................................................................ 30 7. All alumni Scholars’ graduate and professional school attendance and intentions ................................................................................................................... 33 8. Older alumni Scholars’ (award years 1997-2000) graduate and professional school attendance and intentions .............................................................................. 34 9. Post-graduate degree obtained, currently working toward, or planning to pursue ... 35 10. Alumni Scholars’ employment status ....................................................................... 37 11. Alumni Scholars’ occupation type ............................................................................ 38 12. Scholars’ views of importance of Program elements ............................................... 44 13. Type and amount of Program help given to Scholars in need of it........................... 46 14. Frequency of staff contact with Scholars .................................................................. 47 15. Types of help from Program staff ............................................................................. 48 16. Attendance at Ron Brown Scholar Program events .................................................. 57 17. Attendance at 2008 Triennial Leadership Conference .............................................. 57 18. Most valuable aspect of Program events .................................................................. 58 19. Participation in the Ron Brown Scholar Program Alumni Association ................... 63 20. Program influences on Scholars................................................................................ 67 Ron Brown Scholar Program Wilder Research, May 2009 Acknowledgments Wilder Research staff who contributed to the analysis and production of this report include: Mark Anton Brandon Coffee-Borden Marilyn Conrad Phil Cooper Paul Devereaux Louann Graham Bryan Lloyd Nicole MartinRogers Jennifer Lee Schultz Dan Swanson In addition, Wilder Research would like to extend their gratitude to the Ron Brown Scholars for participating in the survey. Appreciation is also extended to Michael Mallory and Vanessa Evans, staff of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who provided Scholar record data, reviewed and commented on drafts of the survey questionnaire, and helped coordinate the administration of the survey. Ron Brown Scholar Program Wilder Research, May 2009 Summary The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides academic scholarships, service opportunities, and leadership experiences to exemplary young African Americans. Established in 1996 in honor of the late Secretary of Commerce, the Ron Brown Scholar Program’s mission is to accelerate the progress of African Americans into the mainstream of leadership in business, education, government, and a wide spectrum of professions, while instilling a strong dedication to leadership and public service. The Ron Brown Scholar Program provides financial assistance as well as an extensive support network intended to mentor, nurture, and motivate students to flourish in college and beyond. The Program was originally founded and privately funded by the CAP Charitable Foundation with additional support from partner organizations and individual donors. On April 9th 2009, the Ron Brown Scholar Fund received an advance ruling by the IRS which allows it to operate as a public 501(c)3 charity. The Ron Brown Scholar Program began awarding 20 college scholarships per year to outstanding African American students in 1997. By 2008, the Program had awarded 241 scholarships of $40,000 each ($10,000 per year) to help cover recipients’ educational expenses at a four-year college or university of the recipient’s choice. African American high school students are selected for the scholarship