Data Collection for Georgia II STEM Higher Education Project Impact Evaluation

The assignment supported the impact evaluation of the Georgia II STEM Higher Education Project, implemented under the USD 140 million Millennium Challenge Compact between the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Government of Georgia. The broader project aimed to improve the quality and international competitiveness of STEM bachelor's degree programmes in Georgia, strengthen institutional capacity within public universities, modernise teaching and learning infrastructure, and improve graduate employability.

ACT Global was contracted by RAND Corporation to deliver large-scale quantitative and qualitative data collection across multiple public universities. The assignment included 5,400 self-administered online surveys with university students and graduates of accredited STEM programmes, as well as 10 focus group discussions with high school students exploring perceptions of STEM education, employability and pathways from education to employment.

ACT Global also developed and validated sampling frames, implemented quality assurance and research ethics procedures, and carried out data cleaning, coding and preparation of analysis-ready datasets. Continuous methodological coordination was maintained with RAND Corporation, MCC and Georgian counterpart institutions. The evidence generated through the assignment contributed to the rigorous mixed-method impact evaluation of STEM higher education quality, graduate outcomes and workforce development in Georgia.