Springforward and STEP: Assessing the Outcomes of a Two-Part Academic Success Initiative

Students who struggle academically in their first year may need continued developmental support in areas of personal and intellectual growth. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences and outcomes of students who participated in both Springforward, an enrichment program for students who are struggling academically, and STEP, a second-year program to support students’ ongoing intellectual and social development at The Ohio State University. We also examined which factors of this two-part initiative supported student success and how this two-part initiative could be improved. Findings indicated positive outcomes for students, but individualization of programming is key.