• Program Development
• Partners
• Communications
• Evaluations
• Samples

Evaluation Strategies
Evaluation should be an integral part of the annual plan developed at the beginning of the year to determine how results will be measured. If there are clear definitions of what success will look like, it will be easier to monitor and evaluate whether the program has been effective. Partnerships are evaluated on a regular, agreed-upon basis and include data collection and analysis to assess accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation process should be an ongoing part of the program and not create bureaucratic or burdensome reporting requirements for the school or business.

Evaluation can include formal surveys with the schools and business or less formal evaluation methods, such as anecdotal evidence and reporting of number of hours of volunteerism.

One approach is a school-based steering committee composed of individuals from the school, business and community to monitor and evaluate the program. Another method is an annual review meeting between the business and school coordinators. Some programs use written surveys or pre- and post-assessment forms that can be completed by teachers, students and volunteers.