152: E Pluribus Unum Evaluation: Using a common theory of change for a multi-site evaluation

This paper describes how developing a common theory of change allowed ICF to evaluate diverse financial education programming implemented at seven colleges in the Appalachian College Association (ACA). In 2023, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) provided funding to ACA to develop financial education programming, and for ICF to conduct an external evaluation. Each school developed its own approach tailored to its student populations and needs; these included stand-alone classes, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and integration of financial education in broader programs.

Presenters will describe how the evaluation team developed an approach to produce evidence about overall program impact, while also recognizing different insights from each college’s unique program. We will discuss the benefits of creating a common theory of change for the entire initiative, and explain how this helped develop a common assessment instrument. We will also describe how our approach fostered cross-college learning about financial education programming.