Spring 2006 Course Description
Policy Research Project
| Section Title: |
Empowering Youth through Community Collaboration and Program Evaluation |
| Instructor(s): |
Debra Haas |
| Course: |
P A 682B - Policy Research Project |
| Unique Number: |
62420 |
| Day & Time: |
Tuesdays, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Room: |
SRH 3.103 |
| Waitlist Information: | For LBJ Students: UT Waitlist Information
For Non LBJ Students: LBJ School Waitlist Instructions |
This course fulfills requirements for the following specialization(s):
- Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies
- Urban and State Affairs
Description: YouthLaunch, an Austin-based youth empowerment organization works to establish collaborative relationships with selected school districts and community organizations to build, support, and enhance programs that give young people the opportunity to engage in service.
This PRP will address the primary research question ?
?How does YouthLaunch demonstrate to other organizations (including current collaborators, potential collaborators and financial sponsors) that working with them to create youth empowerment opportunities will benefit the partner organization??
The YouthLaunch collaboration projects with Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in four cities will serve as the case study for the project.
Course Content:
Students will work with staff from Youth Launch, individually and in groups, to develop a program evaluation based on both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Examples of the kinds of questions that will be posed to the class include:
Quantitative measures:
- Has the volunteer base increased? By how much?
- Has your community visibility increased?
- Have you received more support either financial, or in kind?
- Have you seen an impact on your turnover rate in both volunteers and clients?
Qualitative measures:
- Has the collaborative program developed and implemented best practices?
- Has collaboration resulted in an expanded scope of influence or area for recruiting volunteers?
- What is the perception of the employees about the program?
Student Work Products and Grades:
Student grades will be based on the quality of the work products as well as class attendance and participation.
Because of the nature of the course, attendance will be required and class participation will be essential to a successful outcome for all students
Student grades will be based on the quality of individual and collaborative work products. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the course grade will be based on work products.
Return to Spring 2006 Course Schedule
