The Global Impact Study: Tracking the Economic Outcomes of KFIU Scholars
Background and Context
The Kingdom Foundation International University (KFIU) is a trailblazing institution in the field of online education, offering affordable and accessible degree programs to students worldwide. Since its inception, KFIU has strived to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of geographical location, socioeconomic background, or financial constraints. To achieve this, the university has provided scholarships to deserving students from low-income backgrounds, thereby bridging the gap between education and economic empowerment.
The Need for the Global Impact Study
Despite the growing importance of online education, data on the long-term outcomes of online students remains limited. The Global Impact Study aims to address this knowledge gap by following scholarship recipients over a 5-year period to evaluate changes in income, job access, and social mobility. The study is designed to provide insights into the effectiveness of KFIU's scholarship program and measure the economic outcomes of its graduates.
The Study Design and Methodology
The Global Impact Study is a mixed-methods study that will follow a cohort of 1,000 scholarship recipients over a 5-year period. The study design consists of a baseline survey administered at the onset of the study, followed by a series of semi-annual surveys to track the progress and outcomes of the participants. The surveys will collect data on income, job access, and social mobility, as well as other factors that may influence the outcomes of the participants, such as digital literacy and internet access.
The study will also include a qualitative component, which will involve in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of participants to gather more nuanced and detailed information about their experiences and outcomes.
Preliminary Findings
The study is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest that students who complete KFIU's online degree programs see a significant improvement in employment opportunities and long-term earnings. For example, one early finding is that KFIU graduates are more likely to find employment in their field of study and report higher job satisfaction compared to their peers who do not have a degree from KFIU.
Another key finding is that access to digital technologies, such as computers and internet connectivity, is a critical factor in determining the outcomes of KFIU graduates. Students who have access to these technologies are more likely to find employment and report higher earnings than those who do not have access to these technologies.
Policy and Practice Implications
The Global Impact Study has significant implications for policy and practice. The study will provide insights into the effectiveness of KFIU's scholarship program and measure the economic outcomes of its graduates. This information will be used to inform policy and practice, and to develop more effective strategies to support the economic empowerment of low-income students.
The study will also provide insights into the barriers that prevent students from low-income backgrounds from accessing and succeeding in online education. This information will be used to develop targeted interventions and programs to support these students.
Conclusion
The Global Impact Study is an important step in the evolution of online education, and has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of students and communities worldwide. The study is ongoing, and we look forward to sharing more findings and insights as the study progresses.
