What Equity in STEM Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Measuring Success in 'Other' Grant Pathways for Undergraduate Students in Texas

The 'Other' grant pathway is a vital component of the Grant to Undergraduate Students in Texas program, providing financial assistance to students who may not fit into traditional categories. To effectively measure the success of this pathway, it's essential to understand the unique challenges and requirements of this sector.

Tracking Progress and Outcomes

Measuring the success of 'Other' grant pathways requires a nuanced approach, taking into account the diverse range of students and circumstances involved. The funder, Non-Profit Organizations, prioritizes outcomes that demonstrate academic achievement, persistence, and completion. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this pathway may include: degree completion rates, GPA tracking, and post-graduation employment or further education enrollment. Reporting requirements for grantees will likely involve regular submissions of student data, including demographic information and academic progress. To comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal regulation that governs the handling of student records, grantees must ensure the secure transmission and storage of sensitive student data.

One verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is the need to accommodate non-traditional students, such as those with prior military service or non-degree-seeking students, who may have different academic goals and trajectories. Grantees must be able to adapt their data collection and reporting systems to capture the diverse needs and outcomes of these students.

Navigating Eligibility and Compliance

To avoid eligibility barriers and compliance traps, grantees must carefully review the program's requirements and ensure that their students meet the necessary criteria. For instance, students receiving 'Other' grants must be Texas residents and demonstrate financial need. Grantees must also be aware of the potential for 'supplanting,' where grant funds are used to replace existing funding sources rather than supplementing them. To mitigate this risk, grantees should maintain detailed records of their funding sources and expenditures.

When it comes to what is NOT funded, grantees should be aware that the program specifically excludes students pursuing graduate or professional degrees. Additionally, funding is not available for students who are not degree-seeking or who are not making satisfactory academic progress.

FAQs for 'Other' Grant Applicants

Q: How do I determine if my student's circumstances qualify them for an 'Other' grant? A: Review the program's eligibility criteria and consult with a financial aid advisor to determine the best fit for your student's needs, considering options like grants other than FAFSA or other federal grants besides Pell.

Q: What reporting requirements can I expect as a grantee, and how do I ensure FERPA compliance? A: Grantees will be required to submit regular reports on student data, including demographic information and academic progress; to ensure FERPA compliance, work with your institution's FERPA officer to develop secure data handling procedures, and explore other scholarships for students that may be available.

Q: Can I use 'Other' grant funds to support students who are also receiving other forms of financial assistance, such as Pell Grants or other scholarships? A: Yes, but be sure to carefully coordinate funding sources to avoid supplanting and ensure compliance with program requirements, and consider the impact of other grants besides FAFSA on your student's overall financial aid package.