RESULTS

"Be true to yourself and fight for what you believe in. Create a safe space for yourself and for others. Compassion and devotion go a long way in life."
Quote from a Summer 2009 Nasher in response to an anonymous survey question: “what has been your greatest lesson learned?”

SNLP is committed to rigorous program evaluation and to using those results to improve our programs. The suggestions and experiences of constituents directly impact program modification and enhancement. In spring 2008, we completed an 18-month overhaul of our evaluation strategy and instruments to include more youth voice in evaluation design and implementation and to focus on an outcomes approach. We now define and measure programmatic outcomes (positive changes in and benefits to SNLP participants) as:

• Expand and re-define notions of leadership, including speak out more, identify self as leader, activate leadership, understand and manifest “accountable, ethical, cooperative and effective” leadership principles
• Understand concepts around social and economic justice – making connections between self and community and how global issues and social justice connect to leadership
• Gain increased intellectual competencies as indicated by feeling smarter, stating opinions in class, expecting more from education, increased critical thinking and communication and other practical skills
• Experience social and emotional growth – as indicated by increased confidence and self worth, creating healthier relationships, decrease in stress and anxiety, actively support peers, etc.
• Expand notions of career and life options – new and revised aspirations and career paths, learning different options,  increased desire to attend college, understanding that doing interesting work has value
• Value positive relationships/community, peer to peer, youth to adult, and community by building respect and concern, valuing power of community and community accountability and understanding significance of community in leadership.