An impact analyst evaluates a STEM program that increased student participation by 15% annually. If 400 students participated in year one, in which year will participation exceed 1000?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:01:07 +0000

**How An Impact Analyst Evaluates a STEM Program That Boosts Student Participation by 15% Yearly — And When Growth Exceeds 1000** In a education landscape increasingly focused on equity, innovation, and measurable outcomes, one STEM program has drawn quiet interest across the U.S.: expanding participation by 15% annually, starting with just 400 students. For educators, policymakers, and parents tracking student engagement, the question arises naturally: when will this initiative surpass 1,000 participants? Guided by rigorous evaluation, impact analysts use growth models to project growth trajectories—not just for numbers, but for long-term program sustainability. Understanding the compound growth behind this expansion reveals a clear path. Starting with 400 students, each year’s participation increases by 15%, meaning multiplication by 1.15. The formula to forecast future participation is straightforward: 400 × (1.15)^n, where *n* is the number of years after year one. Below is a clear breakdown of how the program scales—and exactly when it crosses the 1,000 threshold.