RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 When Opportunity Knocks, Who Answers?
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 572
OP 610
DO 10.3368/jhr.49.3.572
VO 49
IS 3
A1 Angrist, Joshua
A1 Oreopoulos, Philip
A1 Williams, Tyler
YR 2014
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/49/3/572.abstract
AB We evaluate the effects of academic achievement awards for first-and second-year college students studying at a Canadian commuter college. The award scheme offered linear cash incentives for course grades above 70. Awards were paid every term. Program participants also had access to peer advising by upperclassmen. Program engagement appears to have been high but overall treatment effects were small. The intervention increased the number of courses graded above 70 and points earned above 70 for second-year students but generated no significant effect on overall GPA. Results are somewhat stronger for a subsample of applicants who correctly described the program rules.