Final performance evaluation of the higher education for economic growth activity

The evaluation focused on five evaluation questions (EQs), including: assessing results (EQ 1); the role of clusters (EQ 2); the government and higher education institutions (EQ 3); gender (EQ 4); and analyzing the extent to which results will be sustained (EQ 5). The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, including document review; analysis of HEA’s monitoring and evaluation data and performance indicators; key informant interviews and surveys for faculty/staff; focus group discussions; and direct observation. Key illustrative findings include: 1) teachers consider diploma programs available, high quality, and wellfacilitated; 2) trust has been established via positive and significant effects from collaboration; 3) while there has been an established approach to construct a higher education policy, the approach needs to be broader in terms of participants (including the government); 4) there is improved access to science, technology, engineering, and math for women and girls; and 5) the Centers for Career Development, which promote student engagement with the private sector, are the most likely to sustain. The evaluation recommends that USAID continue to support the investigations, curriculum reform implementation, teacher training, and scholarships, as well initiate as the construction of an entity to strategically integrate and give continuity to the cluster model.