NORC conducts the Gates Millennium Scholars Tracking and Longitudinal Study (GMS) for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Initialized in 2000, the $1 billion, twenty year scholarship program provides scholarships and leadership opportunities to high achieving, low income minority students. The primary purpose of the longitudinal study is to analyze the short and long-term effects of the program on scholars’ academic, professional, and civic lives. This research will help inform the education community about strategies to improve the educational attainment and achievement of students of color.

The GMS survey employs a Web-based data collection instrument, with mail, phone and email prompts for non-respondents. The GMS survey is the largest Web survey effort NORC has done to date. In addition, NORC has worked with the Gates Foundation, its advisory panel, and its partner organizations to develop a robust data system capable of locating and tracking students and their educational, employment, and civic accomplishments during the study.

Additional information, preliminary findings and publications related to the study are available at http://norc.gatesscholarsresearch.org.