RESULTS OF 2004 FOLLOW-UP

Work has been completed on the 2004 Follow-up Report, tracking 1,115 scholarship recipients statewide. Of all students in the study, 724 remained in school at the end of the year and 180 had earned their degrees, diplomas or certificates. One hundred thirty-nine discontinued their studies. These figures reveal an 81.1% retention and graduation rate. By contrast, the current average graduation rate among entering freshmen after 6 years in colleges and universities in Arkansas is 42.7%.

72% of those who earned their degree during 2004 were working. Among working graduates, 55%% reported that they were earning salaries above the current poverty threshold.

The annual retention and graduation rate among SPSF recipients is an indication not only of the perseverance of students, but also of the effectiveness of their support network. Incentive scholarships, combined with encouragement and advocacy from our board members, have proven to be critically important to student performance. Without a supportive and nurturing community, many students would not remain in school. Our scholarships come with that extra ingredient of friendship so important to one's sense of self.