Focus AreasCollege Access and Success

Across the K-12 and post-secondary education sectors, we provide technical expertise on the design and delivery of college exploration and preparation programs. We partner with our clients to improve college readiness, access, and success in college, particularly for underrepresented students and first-generation college-goers.

Students visit Oregon State University before taking part in a GEAR UP Student Leadership event. Oregon GEAR UP is a college access and success program that Metis is evaluating. Photo Courtesy of Oregon GEAR UP.

Metis Associates has extensive experience in the evaluation of federally-funded GEAR UP programs.  These programs offer students academic enrichment and support, advisement and mentoring, college visits, financial aid awareness, and family activities. We study the impact of these seven-year grants on students’ awareness of and readinesss for college in Philadelphia and New York City as well as in rural Oregon.

For college and university clients, we study the impact of wraparound and other supports on first-generation, underrepresented, and non-traditional college students. Our evaluations assess degree attainment for:

  • Early college high school graduates
  • STEM, education, and health career pipeline programs
  • Career pathways for non-traditional college students

We work with one of the largest university systems in the world, the City University of New York, as well as some of the most remote institutions of higher education in rural states such as Arkansas and Kentucky. Through grant writing and program evaluation, we also help to build the capacity of Hispanic-Serving and Predominantly Black Institutions.

We Work With…

  • Two-Year Colleges
  • Four-Year Colleges and Universities
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • School Districts

Our Expertise Includes…

  • Wraparound Supports for Students
  • Institutional Capacity Building
  • STEM and Other Career Pathways
  • College Awareness and Readiness
  • Early College High School

Let Metis Associates Help with Your Next College Access and Success Project.

For additional information about Metis’s College Access and Success services, please contact Julia Alemany.

College Access And Success Case Studies

Helping Philadelphia Partners Improve Educational Outcomes for Students

The Philadelphia GEAR UP Partnerhip is tackling the challenge of preparing young people living in poverty to succeed in college while building data literacy for program partners.

Determining the Impact of Going to College Early

Metis studies the efficacy of one of the nation’s premier high school/early college models, uncovering consistent college success outcomes.

ACCELERATE, COMPLETE, ENGAGE (ACE): Successfully Adapting the ASAP Model for Bachelor-Seeking Students

Metis Associates and the City University of New York (CUNY) joined forces to rigorously evaluate Accelerate, Complete, Engage (ACE)

What Our Clients Say

Metis staff has been collaborative, professional, and responsive to our needs. Their work has greatly contributed to informing and supporting our efforts to provide quality, effective programming to students and families that need it most.

JeNell C. LaRue, Acting Director, GEAR UP, School District of Philadelphia

More Client Testimonials