This paper studies the impact of PROBEMS, a scholarship program in Mexico aimed at improving graduation rates and test scores among upper secondary school students from poor backgrounds. ... See More + The identification strategy is the random allocation into the program, which took place in 2009. The strategy allows measurement of the effects of PROBEMS on test scores and graduation rates three years later in 2012. The paper finds that, on average, the program has no discernible impact on graduation rates or math or Spanish test scores. The size of the sample allows investigation of the reasons for this disappointing result. The paper finds that the program is substantially mis-targeted, with the majority of the recipients not coming from the most disadvantaged families. However, the most plausible explanation for the absence of positive impacts is that many eligible students do not seem to have the minimum learning level to face successfully the academic requirements of upper secondary school. An important policy implication is that a well-targeted scholarship program should be complemented with a remedial education intervention.  See Less -

Document Type: Policy Research Working Paper Report No.: WPS8826 Document Date: APR 22, 2019

Author: De Hoyos Navarro,Rafael E.; Attanasio,Orazio Pietro; Meghir,Costas Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Procurement Plan Report No.: STEP19724 Document Date: APR 15, 2019

Author: Vlaketic,Nenad Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Procurement Plan Report No.: STEP19679 Document Date: APR 12, 2019

Author: Helder Macaringue Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Grant or Trust Fund Agreement Report No.: Document Date: APR 11, 2019

Author: LEGKL Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Procurement Plan Report No.: STEP19586 Document Date: APR 10, 2019

Author: Luka Kinawuka Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Agreement Report No.: Document Date: APR 08, 2019

Author: LEGKL Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Implementation Status and Results Report Report No.: ISR36417 Document Date: APR 04, 2019

Author: Mistiaen,Emma S. Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Procurement Plan Report No.: STEP19278 Document Date: APR 03, 2019

Author: Lasisi Olaide Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Procurement Plan Report No.: STEP19279 Document Date: APR 03, 2019

Author: Gbola Otewogbola Disclosure Status: Disclosed

Document Type: Implementation Status and Results Report Report No.: ISR36207 Document Date: APR 02, 2019

Author: Rahman,Aneeka Disclosure Status: Disclosed