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Some Things Do Make a Difference for Youth: Compendium of Evaluations of Youth Programs and Practices

NCJ Number
169873
Date Published
1997
Length
184 pages
Annotation
The 69 evaluation studies of youth programs and reports of 49 programmatic interventions summarized in this compendium were recommended for inclusion by a roster of distinguished academic researchers, professional evaluators, and youth practitioners.
Abstract
Each of the programs evaluated has been published; supported by major legislation or foundation initiatives; nationwide, multi-state, or statewide; and pilot or demonstration programs. The programs are grouped under three broad headings: "extending learning," which are initiatives that extend learning of high- level academics and basic and occupational skills beyond traditional classroom-based, time-bound delivery; "building on the community," which are programs that focus on community members and their active roles in changing the learning environment for youth and in improving entire communities; and "increasing retention and postsecondary access," which are programs designed to retain students in middle schools, high schools, and college. Each program summary contains up to nine sections. These include an overview of the program, a description of the population served, evidence of effectiveness, key components, factors that contribute to program results, study methodology, geographic areas served, contact information, and update. Also included are a discussion of implications for youth policy, a bibliography of evaluations, and a list of other publications of the American Youth Policy Forum.