Evaluation BasicsProcesses of Evaluation

The process of evaluating “So what?” (outcomes) and “how was that?” (processes) can serve many purposes for leaders, organizations, and those they serve.

Evaluation BasicsPurposes of Evaluation

Capturing the quality and impact of a youth program enables leaders to…

Show accountability for investments of time & money

Grow capacities of individuals and organizations to conduct quality programs and measure results

Know how to improve programs and innovate

Bestow youth with stronger relationships

Evaluation BasicsPurposes of Evaluation

There are many ways to use the process as well as the results of evaluation

Evaluation BasicsPurposes of Evaluation

Show Accountability: Show funders, parents, volunteers how their investments of time and money produce learning, doing, new interests and aspirations in health, science, citizenship, and life skills

Youth in an academic success and life planning chose to stay in school and plan for college

4-Hers across the state give hundreds of hours and raise thousands of dollars for community service

Thousands of Elementary youth learned about life cycles and cell biology 4-H Embryology in schools

Evaluation BasicsPurpose of Evaluation

Grow Capacities: Adults and youth who use planning and evaluation tools typically improve abilities to learn, lead, and adapt in 4-H and elsewhere

Millstone 4-H Camp Counselors gained observation and leadership skills to apply in school and at work

Forsyth Co. teen leaders used planning and partnership skills to engage their community in feeding the hungry at a critical economic downturn

Evaluation BasicsPurpose of Evaluation

Know how to improve programs: Feedback and reflection about the process and results can lead to new ideas and enhancements for programs

4-H youth in Presentation Contest often use judges’ feedback to improve on their next speech

Staff at Camp Millstone use a weekly debriefing to target personal and program improvements for the next week

Evaluation BasicsPurpose of Evaluation

Bestow youth with stronger relationships: Interaction via words and actions between volunteers, participants, and professionals helps them understand and help each other

Time spent getting acquainted, observing, and planning goals helps club leaders gain trust with youth

Feedback from professionals at a Teen Center encouraged volunteers to know that their time and effort was making a difference with youth

Evaluation BasicsPurpose of Evaluation

As adults and youth design and implement their evaluation, there are several important principles that will help them be more effective…