Compact Scholars Program (CSP)

Institution:

San Diego State University

State:

California

Academic Level:

Baccalaureate

Issue Area:

Retention

Program Focus:

Community Partnerships/Collective Impact, Pathway/Pipeline

Website:

https://csp.sdsu.edu/

Key Personnel:

Angel Rocha

Contact Info:

arrocha@sdsu.edu | 619.594.8301

Overview

The Compact Scholars Program provides undergraduate students academic and social support, and the opportunity to cultivate a sense of identity in connection to their academic work and community. The program seeks to eliminate the national achievement gap in Latino college completion.

Program Description

Established in 2006, Compact Scholars was designed as the postsecondary component of Compact for Success—a partnership between the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU) to promote higher graduation rates for Sweetwater District students, a majority of whom are Latino.

Compact for Success offers undergraduate students first-year experiences, holistic intrusive academic advising, peer/faculty mentoring, and experiential learning including study abroad opportunities, undergraduate research, and service-learning. Program participants also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships which can help cover costs of experiential learning activities including internships, service learning, research and other creative activities.

Outcome

Increased college access: As of Fall 2019, 318 Latino students served had enrolled in college compared to only 84 students as of Fall 2006.
Increased retention: As of 2019, one-year continuation rates for Latino program participants is 86%, compared to 84% for Latino, non-program participants.
Increased 6-year graduation: As of 2019, 69% of Latino program participants graduated within 6 years compared to 65% for Latino, non-program participants. In 2000, the six-year graduation rate for SUHSD Latino students at SDSU was only 38%.