About MDRC
Novak is a research analyst in MDRC’s Postsecondary Education policy area, where she works on interventions to enhance college completion funding, multiple measures assessments, and coaching support to university students. Prior to joining MDRC, Novak was an educator in Dallas, Texas, and Macuelizo, Honduras, where she supported students’ bilingual literacy skills. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in international educational development and a bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College in sociology and anthropology.
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MDRC Publications
ReportImplementation Findings
August, 2023MDRC led an implementation study of 59 student success programs across Texas that were funded by a COVID-relief grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This report presents findings; highlights research findings from previously conducted, rigorous evaluations of student support programs; and offers recommendations for future research and practice.
CommentaryJuly, 2023In this commentary originally published in Community College Daily, Lena Novak and DeShawn Preston describe the Texas Completion Repayment Grant program, which provided financial support to college students at risk of dropping out during the pandemic. When coupled with comprehensive student support services, this strategy could help more students complete college.
BriefLessons from the Field
April, 2023MDRC is partnering with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to provide information about evidence-based programs backed by past research to the Student Success Program Inventory, an inventory of existing student success programs in Texas. This brief summarizes some of the information they will use in that effort.
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Other Publications
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Projects