Measuring Success
This month, the ASSIST Board of Directors convened in Suffield, Connecticut, for its fall meeting. It was an energizing set of discussions, ranging from consideration of new partner countries to positioning ourselves for changes in the German educational system to a presentation of a new summer program based in Prague for American teachers. We made notable progress on refining our strategic plan, and while challenges dot the horizon, a sense of quiet confidence underscored the atmosphere.
One question, however, proved elusive as we tried mightily to answer it completely and objectively: How do we define or measure our belief that we are successful in fulfilling the mission of ASSIST?
We continue to attract top-notch scholars from 14 countries; we have a membership of 84 of the finest American independent schools (to grow to 90 in 2007/08); each year, 85% or more of our scholars are named to the honor roll or high honor roll; we receive countless notes of praise and thanks from students, parents, host parents and school colleagues.
However, does that data by itself prove we are successful? The ASSIST mission reads:
To promote mutual understanding, cultural interchange and a more peaceful world, ASSIST provides opportunities for outstanding international students to attend the finest American independent secondary schools on one-year scholarships, and for students and teachers from these schools to engage in educational experiences abroad.
The answer is that we know with some certainty that we are successful in the short- and medium-term. We know that our scholars excel in outstanding schools and return home believing that their lives have been changed. Our strong retention rate of member schools tells us that the impact these student ambassadors make in all areas of campus life is notable, meaning schools continue to invest precious scholarship resources to remain part of ASSIST.
What we have begun to track more thoroughly over the past few years are the longer-term results of our work. We know of the notable success of some of our alumni, but we would dearly like to know what each is doing. We receive wonderful notes from host families, but we are eager to hear of weddings attended ten years after the ASSIST year. We know the legacy our students leave at their American schools, but we are curious about the cumulative effect it engenders to help make schools more international.
So that we may truly measure the long-term success of our program, I invite you to write to let us know how the ASSIST experience has affected you. We are eager to reconnect with alumni and to know how you have chosen to lead your lives. As we meet more alumni each year, we are enthused by the successes you are finding, and we are delighted that the ASSIST experience was such a decisive and formative foundation. We are equally interested to hear from schools, families, host families and friends to know where we have succeeded - and where we can better serve each of you.
ASSIST Board member David Sanderson, son of our founder, Paul Sanderson, remarked at our meeting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of his father's passing, and it is the 38th year of ASSIST's service to students, families and schools. David went on to say that his father would be proud and amazed at what ASSIST has become.
As we prepare soon to mark and celebrate 40 years of service, it would give us great pleasure to learn how ASSIST has affected you. This news will provide a foundation for sharpening our plans to serve our constituents more effectively and to deepen our commitment to fostering worldwide understanding.
Bob Stanley
President
