Evaluating Community-Based Sport and Physical Activity Programs for Underserved Youth: Challenges and Potential Strategies

• In Event: Innovation in K-12 Sport Through Classrooms and Communities

Abstract

Despite increasing opportunities for underserved youth to join sport and physical activity programs based on the tenants of positive youth development (PYD), there is growing concern surrounding the lack of critical evaluation of these programs. Unfortunately, there are numerous challenges related to evaluation within underserved communities which often prevent or disrupt the research process. These challenges include difficulty building trust, power relations, obtaining parental consent, demonstrating cultural competence, and attrition. The primary goal of this presentation is to discuss these challenges using case studies from four PYD-based sport and physical activity programs implemented with four different underserved communities. In addition, the limited empirical evidence regarding these challenges is presented, along with potential solutions for consideration in future evaluation efforts.

Authors

• Meredith Whitley, Adelphi University

• Tanya Forneris, University of Ottawa

• Bryce Barker, University of Ottawa