Cohort 2 Report (ASPIRE)

This report outlines findings from an evaluation of the Accomplished Study Programme in Research Excellence (ASPIRE). ASPIRE is a reciprocal teaching programme, designed to provide research mentorship and wellbeing to improve graduate outcomes and access to doctoral study for Black and Black heritage students. 

The report details the process and impact evaluation of the ASPIRE programme over its second year and second cohort of scholars, supervisors, and mentors. Cohort 2 ran from February to June 2023 with 16 scholars, 15 mentors and 14 supervisors. The evaluation involved a mixed method, difference-in-difference design including a pre- and post-survey with programme scholars, a survey with a control group, and pre- and post-surveys with supervisors. The mixed methods approach also included listening rooms (a specialised informal paired interview aimed at removing interviewer bias) and interviews with two ASPIRE programme delivery members.

Summary of the process evaluation findings 

What worked well: 

• Strong relationships: having a shared lived experience (meaning a shared Black or Black heritage background) led to strong mentor relationships. 
• Skill development: the programme provided opportunities for skill development for scholars in a range of areas including research and writing skills, communication skills, networking skills 
• Real-world experience: the internships facilitated scholars to develop real world experience and skills for future employment. 
• Behaviour change: the anti-racism workshops enabled mentors to apply their learnings to practice. + Inherent value: the programme was highly valued by scholars and mentors.

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