Getting them In the Door: A Study of Programming Within Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont

Embargo Period

12-12-2019

Degree Name

MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management

First Advisor

John Ungerleider

Abstract

While it is clear that strong, evidence-based youth-centered programming has a significant impact within an organization, there are often challenges and barriers which can significantly impact these programs. To understand these barriers more fully, it is important to understand the context through which these programs are being operated in, and by analyzing the perceptions surrounding what makes a program successful or sustainable over time. The Boys and Girls Club of Brattleboro is a local non profit which strives to grow and increase its impact on the youth members of the community. The purpose of this research was to collect and analyze the perceptions of barriers to sustainable and effective programming offered at the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro VT and at Boys & Girls Clubs located in Vermont, USA , the role of staff in developing and assessing programming, and improving overall staff practices and program implementation. The research methods included a literature review on the analysis of the effects of evidence-based after school programming on youth development, the use of a logic model framework in developing programs, the review of secondary data collected by mixed-methods in a survey, and analysis through personal observation. The findings revealed that the effects of program staff' investment in programs, sufficient funding, recognition from the Board of Directors on the impact of programs increase the likelihood of a program being successful. Building on good practices such as utilization of a logic model, long term planning, resource sharing, and increased communication, recommendations are made to establish better communication between the Leadership team, the Board of Directors, and the Program staff, and for higher priority be given to High-Yield activities and Initiatives which have proven to increase club attendance, improve club climate, and increase staff investment of their job.

Disciplines

Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Organizational Behavior and Theory | Organizational Communication

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