More than 90 percent of the NYC program participants reported an increased awareness of the importance and impact of positive youth development. Most participants indicated that they intend to incorporate these practices into their programs as appropriate. The hard data from our AYD evaluation process is currently being compiled and analyzed by our statewide evaluator.
While the disaggregated data for NYC is not currently available, the anecdotal data we have collected from our participants indicate they value the knowledge, skills, and awareness they have obtained. Participants also identify the opportunity to network with colleagues in their field as another significant impact of the trainings (indicated by requests for the mailing lists of workshop participants to facilitate follow-up and contact beyond the workshop). Another indicator of the value of the training is the high number of returning participants to other AYD trainings and requests to provide professional development at their respective sites. We are currently organizing trainings for other major youth organizations in NYC on core competencies and other topics related to leadership development.
impact statement issue
While parents and schools play crucial roles in preparing youth for future roles in society, youth-serving organizations also play a critical role. In New York's public schools, 42 percent of African American students and 36 percent of Latino students graduate, compared to 81 percent of their white counterparts. Many students of color attend urban schools that lack the resources and expertise to effectively engage the students in learning.
Youth-development organizations and afterschool settings provide an alternative environment through which youth may be motivated to learn and develop a positive sense of themselves. Yet many youth workers do not have the skills and understanding of their potential to positively impact youth through their work. Given the need for multiple strategies to help youth develop the knowledge and skills to be productive members of society, youth workers need to understand the value of their work, know the key principles of positive youth development, and develop the core competencies of effective youth work.
impact statement response
During the past program year, the Advancing Youth Development (AYD) team in New York City conducted 10 sessions for approximately 200 youth-development workers, administrators, and supervisors. The sessions included the revised AYD core three-day training, the BASICS Workshop (a four-hour review of key concepts), the BASICS training of facilitators, and Strengthening Organizations through Youth Development (a full-day training that strengthens organizational commitment and practice for positive youth development), and several special workshops.
impact statement summary
The Advancing Youth Development (AYD) program provides youth workers and administrators with the foundation to develop and implement programs for youth based on a positive youth-development approach. During the past year, the AYD Team in New York City conducted 10 sessions for approximately 250 youth-development workers, administrators, and supervisors. More than 90 percent of the city's program participants reported an increased awareness of the importance and impact of positive youth development. Most participants indicated that they intend to incorporate these practices into their programs as appropriate.
Other private funding
New York State office of Children and Family Services
