Our Formula for Impact

This variety of programs is part of our research-informed Formula for Impact, helping members achieve positive outcomes in three priority areas: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. The formula is the vehicle that drives greater outcomes in the lives of youth served. This formula begins with youth who need us most.  We add the Five Key Elements for Youth Development.

1. A safe, positive environment (connected to feelings of emotional and physical safety)
2. Fun and a sense of belonging
3. Supportive relationships, including positive adult connections
4. Opportunities and expectations, especially staff expectations of youth
5. Recognition

To this mix, we add high-yield learning activities, so called because they extend learning by providing opportunities to practice communication skills (reading, writing, speaking); problem-solving skills (math, science, technology); healthy living skills (being mindful of diet and exercise, avoiding risky behaviors); and character and citizenship skills (civics, volunteerism and civility). Then we mix in targeted programs to meet youth needs and interests.

The last ingredient of the Formula is attendance. Research shows that youth who attend the Club more frequently, especially those who attend 104 or more days per year (an average of twice per week), are more likely to achieve positive outcomes, such as avoiding risky behaviors, progressing to the next grade on time and exercising regularly. Therefore, we focus on increasing attendance, program participation and member retention.^[i]

Our Formula for Impact

Measuring Youth Achievement

 To determine our success at helping youth achieve these three priority outcomes, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta participates in Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth Outcomes Initiative (NYOI). The NYOI system measures the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in a consistent manner using a common set of research-informed indicators. Through NYOI, we administer NYOI’s National Outcomes Survey annually, which measures the degree to which Club members are achieving the outcomes of Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.

Some NYOI survey questions replicate language used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, allowing for comparisons of Club youth outcomes to state and national averages. The survey also asks members about their perceptions of the Club. Responses allow us to assess how effectively we are implementing the Formula for Impact and delivering an optimal Club Experience to support positive youth development. A sample of the NYOI survey is provided as an attachment to this proposal.

^[i] Arbreton, A.; Bradshaw, M.; Sheldon, J. and Pepper, S. (2009). Making Every Day Count: Boys & Girls Clubs’ Role in Promoting Positive Outcomes for Teens (Philadelphia, Pa.: Public/Private Ventures).

Click the following link for a full copy of our Organizational Impact Summary - Winter 2020

Click the Following link for our 2019 Club Impact Report