Peer reviewedEngagement predicts grades and belongingAcross more than 2,500 first-year students at a private research university, check-ins and messages were associated with higher GPA, belonging, self-efficacy, and well-being after controls.
Werntz et al., 2023, Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science Peer reviewedMatching on background strengthens relationshipsAmong 2,000 first-years, pairs matched on race and first-generation status reported stronger relationships and earned higher GPAs.
Ramadurai et al., 2025, Studies in Higher Education Peer reviewedGoal setting lifts first-semester GPAStudents who set goals in the app earned higher first-semester GPAs and reported greater academic self-efficacy.
Hersch et al., 2026, Journal of Community Psychology Randomized trialSocial capital training changes help-seekingIn a randomized trial of 550 students, Connected Scholars produced stronger help-seeking and more mentoring support than the control condition.
Schwartz et al., 2023, American Educational Research Journal Peer reviewedTraining linked to graduationConnected Scholars completers were more than three times as likely to graduate in four years.
Hersch et al., 2026, American Journal of Community Psychology In preparationReturn on investmentA 2.5 point retention gain in a 1,500-student cohort returns roughly 720,000 dollars in tuition against a 54,000 dollar platform cost.
Hull and Rhodes, manuscript in preparation