This final evaluation report presents the findings and recommendations of the 2016 evaluation of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP). The program was established in 2010 and funds universities to undertake activities and implement strategies that improve access to undergraduate courses for people from low Socioeconomic Status (SES) backgrounds and improve their retention and completion rates.

The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness of the program. The evaluation adopted a mixed-methods approach, drawing on information from document analysis, quantitative data analysis and consultations. 

The evaluation found HEPPP funding encourages universities to implement a wide variety of activities and projects aimed at increasing the number of low SES students interested in attending university and progressing through and graduating from university. The evaluation made 12 recommendations in several areas which could further increase the effectiveness of the HEPPP.

Findings

The evaluation found that the HEPPP has provided wide ranging support to a large number of students and institutions between 2010 and 2015:

• Some 2,679 projects were implemented at the 37 eligible universities.
• Over 310,000 students have participated in HEPPP projects, with additional students supported in schools and other institutions.
• At least 2,913 partner organisations participated in HEPPP outreach activities.
• More than 40 per cent of projects and expenditure have been targeted at assisting low SES students transition into, engaging with and progressing through university.
• Around 40 per cent of projects have worked with external partners, usually schools, to increase low SES applications to, offers from and commencements at university.
• The remaining HEPPP activity includes projects that have focused on pathways to university, the admissions process, transitioning out of university and research to improve the effectiveness and impact of low SES equity practices in higher education.
• The majority of HEPPP activity has been directed at low SES students generally. 19 per cent of projects and 15 per cent of funding has been specifically targeted at students who are both low SES and Indigenous, and 13 per cent of projects and 16 per cent of funding have been targeted at students who are both low SES and from regional or remote Australia.