J. Randy Koch
J. Randy Koch, Robert L. Balster, Wendy Kliewer, Chelsie E. Dunn*. Virginia Commonwealth University, United States. *Corresponding Author
Background: In 2006, Virginia Commonwealth University was selected by the Institute of International Education and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State, as a new site for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program. The program’s goal is to enhance research, practice, and policy-making skills of midcareer professionals from selected countries. The purpose of this presentation is to present one-year follow-up data, from our 2007-2019 cohorts, in the context of the fellowship program’s acceptability and effectiveness.
Methods: Participants included 108 fellows from 2007-2019. Past fellows completed an online survey via Qualtrics. To assess the program’s effectiveness, participants answered questions regarding their current employment, education, research activities, and implementation of skills learned in the program. Furthermore, questions assessing the program’s acceptability were asked.
Results: Findings suggest that the program is both acceptable and effective. For example, approximately 69% of past fellows reported obtaining a new job, with about 70% indicating the fellowship helped them obtain the new job. Further, 46.3% reported conducting research, and 40.6% continued collaborating with a U.S. partner after their fellowship. With respect to implementation and satisfaction, about 44% implemented evidence-based practices from the fellowship program in their home country; and a majority of the fellows were satisfied with the program.
Conclusion: Past fellows of the VCU Humphrey Program have had many professional accomplishments that are consistent with the goals of the program. Additional findings, implications, and future program directions will be discussed.