Measuring the Impact and ROI of Pulp and Paper Technology Training
The National Network for Pulp and Paper Technology Training’s efforts are directed at the Alabama Southern Community College campus, which also serves as the Southeast node. Although the program is designed to address a variety of issues and provide myriad services, such as developing skill standards and education centers, the most visible part of the process is training for new employees in the industry. Through certificate programs or two-year degree programs, the industry’s workforce is being transformed. The most immediate concern is to address the success of the two year degree programs. While funding for the program comes from a variety of sources, the NSF provides a significant amount. Through this funding, Alabama Southern has taken the lead to show the program’s impact in the community, using the ROI Methodology. Alabama Southern initiated and coordinated the study: Measuring the Impact and ROI of Pulp and Paper Technology Training, designed to show the success of the program among employers in the area. The evaluation study captures six types of data, including the financial ROI, to measure the success of the Pulp and Paper Technology Training program offered by the Alabama Southern Community College, funded in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Complete findings are available in the pdf file posted below.

Understanding the High School Student and Their Advisors:
A Key Component to Retention and Recruitment
In July 2010 four partner colleges - Kennebec Valley Community College, Lower Columbia College, Alabama Southern Community College and Itasca Community College- participated in a student survey to gather data for improving student recruitment and retention. Important conclusions gained from the study include:
• The more we learn about high school students perceptions and needs, the better equipped NPT2 will be to get and keep students in the program.
• Using language and tools students endorse will lead to greater success.
• NPT2's Summer Institute Program gives us a chance to learn from students, attract them into the program and get them to be advocates of the program.
• Student advisors are a powerful constituency group for NPT2.
Complete findings are available in the power point posted below.