This paper presents evaluation results over four years of the development of a state-wide youth public policy initiative in New Mexico. Youth Link works with youth ages 11-19 through local intergenerational Community Action Teams connected to a state-wide infrastructure to develop and participate in the implementation of local and state policies around youth issues. Methods: A participatory approach was used to engage Youth Link staff, advisory council, and youth participants in developing a shared evaluation model. The evaluation used a case study design for examining the process of developing a state youth and policy development model and a quasi-experimental design for examining the impact of participation, using a theoretical model of individual and community empowerment. A questionnaire based on this model and containing cognitive (ie., political efficacy, democratic awareness) and behavioral constructs (political or civic participation) was developed. T-tests were performed on pre and post-test respondents. Qualitative methods, youth focus groups, and adult coordinator interviews, were conducted annually to assess program development, recruitment, retention, and potential community impact. This paper will present results of youth participation (in their personal leadership, efficacy of community action teams and greater involvement in community policy processes), of infrastructure development around youth issues, and of policy products and youth involvement in policy products. Conclusions: Youth Link has been found to positively impact individual behaviors and beliefs around youth policy, as well as produce raise new policy agendas for youth. Strategies that worked, as well as implications for other youth policy programs will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1) List successful strategies for the development of a youth policy and leadership statewide project 2) Assess the value of multiple methods of participatory evaluation of youth program 3) Consider successes and barriers to developing successful youth public policy models
Keywords: Adolescents, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.