Project START
Project START is for students who are Pell-eligible and enrolled in a CTE program with a 2.0+ GPA. The program is limited to 50 students per semester. Project START is located on Main Campus in Iowa Hall.
The program support includes:
- Students must identify at least one academic goal, one financial goal, and one personal goal per term to work on with Pathway Navigator
- Pathway Navigators provide check-in’s and ongoing support/ accountability for students
Pathway Navigators provide personal, financial, and academic support. Navigators connect students to resources and assist them with communicating concerns to faculty.
The primary barrier to serving students is lack of awareness. Students often don’t realize the resource exists until they are nearly through with their program or there is no availability for the term.
Rating Scale:
- 3 – Excellent. This resource goes above and beyond in this area.
- 2 – Adequate. Efforts are being made but more could be done to make it more accessible.
- 1 – Insufficient. This resource is not accessible in this way.
- N/A – not applicable for this resource
| Rating | Notes | |
| Physical Accessibility | ||
| Is the physical location accessible to the student population it serves? | 3 | Project START is located on the main level of Iowa Hall – there are no stairs or physical barriers preventing students from accessing the office. Students who cannot get to Main campus are able to access Project START/ the Pathway Navigator via email and zoom. |
| Are the resource’s visual images adequate in clearly communicating services, etc.? | 2 | The name of the program is on the doors to the office, and information about what Project START is for is located on our website. However, there could be more information posted around campus about the program and what it is.
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| Wayfinding signage leading to the resource is visible, high contrast, and easy to identify. | 2 | The Project START office is located directly across from the information/ welcome desk in Iowa Hall, and there is always someone at the desk who can direct students toward the office. |
| Scheduling/Time Accessibility | ||
| Do the resource hours and timing of programming meet student needs? | 3 | The Pathway Navigator is available during campus hours (8-5) for drop-in meetings or for appointments. High traffic hours are between 10-2. There seems to be ample time for students to come in when they need to. |
| Does the resource offer an on-demand option for face-to-face and online students? | 3 | Students can access the Pathway Navigator via phone, email, or zoom at any time during campus hours. |
| Do students have the ability to easily self-schedule at a time convenient for them? | 3 | Yes, Project START utilizes calendly and all students are provided with the link at the start of each term. |
| Digital Accessibility | ||
| Are available online resources easy to locate and user-friendly? | 2 | Applications and contact info are available on our website, but the website can be tricky to find if students don’t use the search option on the Kirkwood website. |
| Are necessary print resources available in digital formats? | 3 | All print resources are available as word documents and pdfs. |
| Collaboration Support | ||
| Does the resource help students communicate, collaborate, work, or share information about academic content? | Not applicable | |
| Multilingual Accessibility | ||
| Does the resource currently provide or have access to translation tools or reference materials in commonly spoken languages by Kirkwood ELLs? | 1 | |
| Does the resource use clear language and avoid jargon? | 2 | Materials have been revised to simplify language, but there are some questions on the application that still confuse some students. |
| Feedback | ||
| Is there a system in place for students and staff to provide feedback on services? | 1 | This does not currently exist, but it’s a great idea! |
| Is there a process for periodic reviews of the resource and ongoing improvement? | 2 | I compile an annual report that reflects graduation rates, the amount of students served, etc. |
| Inclusivity | ||
| Does the resource actively engage with traditionally underserved populations? | 3 | Because there is a strict list of qualifications for this program, the population served almost always includes international students, low income students, student parents, and nontraditionally-aged students. |
| Does the resource take measures to ensure traditionally underserved populations feel welcome? | 2 | Project START is available for all students regardless of identifying factors. We are present at orientations to meet students and explain the program, and as the Pathway Navigator I spend a lot of time meeting with drop-in students to explain the program and how I can help them. Students seem to have no problem walking into the SEIS office and asking for help. |
| Are there events and activities that promote inclusivity? | Not applicable | |
| Are staff trained in cultural competence and inclusivity? | 3 | Cultural competence and inclusivity are constant topics of discussion in the SEIS office. We also attend conferences, webinars, and informational sessions frequently. |
| Communication/Marketing | ||
| Which channels of communication are used to share services/programs | 2 | Students enrolled in Project START are made aware of offerings at their initial meeting with the Pathway Navigator. |
| Is there a proactive strategy in place to ensure students and faculty are aware of materials/events/opportunities? | 2 | Students who may be eligible to apply for Project START are contacted via email once per semester to encourage them to apply. |
| Does the resource market itself to students appropriately? | 2 | Project START is marketed through email, class visits, and by word of mouth. Most students learn about the program from their classmates and this tends to be the most successful way to recruit new participants. |
Resource Specific Recommendations:
- Increased promotional materials and visibility on campus.
- Revision of application for clarity
- Implement a standardized feedback process
- Increase touch points with eligible students
- Easier web navigation. The resource needs to be searched in order to be located.