The HIP Scholars Program Model: Exploring Pathways for Student Success

HIP Scholars, launched via a Hispanic Serving Institution Title V grant, is an innovative program focused on increasing the accessibility of High Impact Practices (HIPs), including undergraduate research. The program focuses on creating pathways for student populations who traditionally have not had high engagement in HIPs including first-generation, non-traditional Pell Grant eligible, and transfer. The program works to break down barriers to HIP involvement and pipeline students into other opportunities. Scholars can choose between undergraduate research or non-profit internship. Students complete a semester-long “exploratory phase” and then a paid HIP “experience phase” semester. Engrained in the model is the opportunity to spend time providing students with the benefits of each HIP area and scaffolding how to secure a position. Students work closely with an assigned peer mentor to guide them through the program. Scholars also spend time through program specific events and workshops to connect with professionals, preparing them for their HIP experience and their career goals next. 93% of scholars accepted students to the program’s first year successfully completed an HIP experience and completed the program in our first year. HIP Scholars alumni continue to get involved in additional HIPs . Through pre-post survey data from scholars we saw an increase of belief of the importance of both the exploratory and experience phase. HIP Scholars works to break down barriers to HIP involvement. Through these intentional and inclusive practices, continuous assessment and review, we are gaining a stronger understanding on how to best serve students.