Academic Leveling Scholarship: The Experience of a Public Policy Applied in a Chilean University

Abstract

This work corresponds to the systematization of the Accompaniment Program developed by the San Sebastian University in 2012 and 2013 as part of the allocation of the Leveling Academic Scholarship (BNA) granted by the Ministry of Education of Chile (Mineduc). We estimate that this study, which incorporates academic results with the beneficiaries own assessments, broadens the scope of a public policy that has oriented the efforts of the institutions to ensure equity in access and retention in higher education in Chile. After characterizing the beneficiary group, we describe the intervention and itsimpact on retention, curricular advancement and academic performance of the participants. These results are complemented by a qualitative assessment about the students’ experiences in the program. Finally, we reflect on the lessons learned from this intervention at the institutional level and the need for increased escalation of this public policy which recognizes students' academic performance and potential in consideration of their socio-economic context.