Reengaging the Disengaged: A Program Evaluation of Young Adult Reengagement Programs

• In Event: System Change, Well-Being, and Affect: Voices From the Ground Up

Abstract

More than 4 million young adults in the United States have disengaged from the K–12 education system. Concurrently, the field lacks a rigorous research base. This study engaged staff and young adults from reengagement programs to gain a better understanding of the goals, theories of change, and practices being used within reengagement programs, as well as a deeper understanding of the experiences of young adults in these programs.
Results identified a lack of clearly articulated program theories of change and diverse processes for recruiting and reengaging youth. Programs and participants identified the availability of engaged staff, who were willing to go above and beyond in many ways to facilitate youth participation and progress as the essential reengagement program practice.

Authors

• Jacob Williams, Education Northwest
  Presenting Author

• Christopher J. Mazzeo, Education Northwest
  Non-Presenting Author

• Destiny D. McLennan, Education Northwest
  Non-Presenting Author

• Emi Fujita-Conrads, Education Northwest
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kathryn Rooney, Education Northwest
  Non-Presenting Author