P2SCS Implementation Guide

Step-by-step overview to launch your program

Establish Institutional Commitment and Goals

Obtain leadership support and allocate funding to launch and sustain the program.

Identify metrics for success and populations of focus (e.g., URM, first-gen, women in CS).

Ensure the program complements existing student support, equity, and academic achievement goals.

Design Program Structure and Timeline

Define start and end dates, length of engagement, and seasonal timing.

Coordinate touchpoints with academic calendars and identify major program benchmarks.

Define how students are selected (e.g., academic risk, interest, demographic qualifiers).

Assemble a Program Team

Appoint a leader to oversee daily operations, planning, and evaluation.

Engage staff and peers who will deliver program content and support scholars.

Clarify responsibilities for each team member to ensure smooth delivery and accountability.

Develop Intervention Components

Create pre-semester onboarding activities.

Set up structured reflection and advising sessions.

Design supplemental coding or computing sessions.

Incorporate growth mindset, time management, and community building.

Coordinate tutoring, study halls, or structured study groups.

Build relationships with industry partners and arrange off-campus exposure.

Select Theoretical Frameworks and Evaluation Metrics

Use SRL, SCT, EVT, Tinto’s theory, and other frameworks.

Track retention rates, GPA, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Use pre/post assessments and surveys for evidence-based evaluation.

Recruit and Onboard Student Cohorts

Base selection on academic records, interest, or demographics.

Gather pre-program survey data and set expectations.

Clarify attendance, engagement, and performance expectations.

Implement the Program

Deliver interventions as scheduled.

Track attendance, engagement, and academic outcomes.

Maintain a strong support network throughout the program.

Collect Data and Evaluate Impact

Gather qualitative and quantitative feedback.

Assess performance, confidence, and retention.

Combine data types for richer insight.

Iterate Based on Feedback and Data

Collect input from students, staff, and faculty.

Refine program components and delivery.

Make data-informed decisions for improvement.

Disseminate Findings and Sustain the Program

Present results in reports, conferences, or grants.

Secure long-term resources and staffing.

Share materials for scaling and adaptation at other institutions.