Summer Learning

Imagine Science

PSA led a formative evaluation of the pilot year of Imagine Science, a collaborative approach to STEM programming implemented as part of a first-ever national partnership between Y-USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the National 4-H Council, and Girls, Inc. Imagine Science was piloted in three communities as a proof-of-concept with the goals of exposing and engaging youth in high-quality STEM programming, increasing the capacity of individual organizations through coordination and shared resources, and enhancing the collective reach of the organizations to underserved and vulnerable youth. For this evaluation, PSA worked with a committee that included representatives from each of the four national organizations, and collected interview data from the partners in the three communities implementing the pilot. Analysis addressed dimensions to inform program decisions and scaling, including: (1) structures, roles and functions within the partnership; (2) local adaptations; (3) guidance and technical assistance; (4) data collection and reporting requirements; and (5) unexpected consequences and lessons learned.

YMCA of the USA/BELL Summer Learning Partnership

For the Wallace Foundation, PSA conducted a formative evaluation of a partnership between YMCA of the USA and BELL. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness of the partnership in supporting the delivery of a summer learning model, an adaptation of BELL’s established summer program and implemented through the Y-USA network of local Associations, with the aim of reducing the achievement gap on a large scale. PSA collected data through interviews with national leadership staff from both organizations, as well as through site visits through implementing sites. The findings from the formative evaluation were designed to spur conversation and reflection among the Y-BELL Leadership Team and at The Wallace Foundation to strengthen the partnership and inform planning and decisions about scaling for future years.