Assessing the Use and Impact of ECMC Foundation’s Realizing the College Dream Curriculum

The Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Foundation commissioned the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education to conduct an evaluation of its Realizing the College Dream (RTCD) curriculum, designed for educators and staff to help low-income, first-generation middle and high school students increase their access to post-secondary education. This evaluation assessed the guide’s usage by teachers and professionals working in student outreach services, as well as the effectiveness of its materials.

The results of the evaluation suggest that RTCD is reaching hundreds of thousands of students and parents at middle schools, high schools, and community-based organizations. RTCD users are overwhelmingly enthusiastic and appreciative of this free resource, and its ability to adapt to the specific needs of low-income, first-generation students and families.