|
|
What
Level of Evaluation is Right for Your Program?
ARC offers three broad levels of
evaluation services. Entry-level evaluations assess match quality and help
programs make matches that last longer. Mid-level evaluations provide the same insight and
demonstrate outcomes. Programs seeking more rigorous evaluation,
such as would be required by a federal or other large grant, can join ARC's
Harvard-affiliated national research initiative.
 |
What
does it cost? For as little as $500, ARC
can provide insight on match quality with very little effort from program
staff. The Youth Mentoring Survey and the Match Characteristics
Questionnaire can be integrated into existing match supervision
activities, making it possible to generate substantial insight with
minimal imposition on the program. For less than $5,000, ARC can design a
program evaluation that will demonstrate the outcomes your program is
facilitating for youth. |
|
What will it
accomplish? Even our most basic
evaluations provide valuable insight on match quality in an
easy-to-read report that highlights differences by match type, location,
match support provider, etc. Entry-level evaluations can also provide some
outcome measurement. |
|
Who should consider
an entry-level evaluation? Programs best-suited for this level of evaluation
will have little or no dedicated evaluation funding but possess a strong
desire to learn about their programming, make stronger matches, and show potential funders
their commitment to
evaluation. |
[top
of page]
Mid-Level Evaluation
|
What
does it cost?
A mid-level program evaluation typically costs between $5,000 -
$10,000, depending on the scope of the work and the travel required.
|
|
What will it
accomplish? ARC will provide considerable insight on match quality and
a range of outcomes such as attitudes, behavior, and academics. Onsite
interviewing and observation of matches are available options. Reporting
at this level will satisfy the requirements of federal, state, or private
grants. It also will help programs strengthen their matches and
demonstrate successes to potential funders. |
|
Who should consider a
mid-level evaluation?
Programs best-suited for
this level of evaluation will have some dedicated evaluation funding, a
strong commitment to strengthening matches, and a desire to
position themselves to compete for large grants. |
[top
of page]
Would
you like to learn more about evaluation in general?
If you are just beginning to think about
program evaluation or would like to learn more about it as you select an
evaluator, these resources will help you
consider the best way to go forward.
|
