Atlanta’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs  Nationally accredited by the CAPRA  Serves more than 420,000 residents with recreation programs and activities  Operates a total of 33 recreation centers throughout the city

Adamsville Recreation Center  2,180 youth participate in youth sports and after school programs  Programs are intended to increase academic and athletic performance as well as build character and improve social skills  Most importantly keep youth out of trouble and reduce community juvenile crime

Stakeholders  Youth/Participants  Recreation Center Staff  Parents  Coaches/volunteers  Community  Atlanta City Council

Purpose of Evaluation  To measure the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of the recreation and after school programs at Adamsville Recreation Center  Are the programs making a positive difference in the lives’ of the participants  Reducing juvenile crime rates in the community

Structure and Content  Provide a diverse curriculum of after school tutoring, cultural and arts programs and athletic activities  Involve youth in a positive and enriching atmosphere

Questions Addressed by Evaluation  Program-related questions to determine if the program has met the needs of the stakeholders

Body of Knowledge  After school and recreational programs have many benefits  Help students with academics  Create self-esteem  Introduce youth to positive adults and role models  Prevent and reduce juvenile crime

Target Population  Predominantly African-American youth in the age range of 7-18  Reside within a 5-mile radius of rec center  Majority are raised by single mothers

Data Gathering Techniques  Quantitative (data in the form of words)  Qualitative (data in the form of numbers)  Direct observation (directly observing operations and activities)

Measurement Instruments  Surveys  Questionnaires  Checklists

Reliability and Validity  Measurement instruments will be consistent, honest and ethical

Resources and Barriers  Staff  Participants  Funding  Employees access  Budget Constraints  Gathering necessary data