Powerful Creative Learning Program Experiences: Insights From Transformative Evaluation

• In Event: Race, Policy, Equity: Retooling Out-of-School Time Programs, Partnerships, and Evaluation for 21st Century Learning

Abstract

Community-based youth arts programs have become important settings for arts learning and connection outside of school. This is particularly true for Black and Latinx youth who, on average, may have less access to arts learning in school. Using a “transformative evaluation” protocol that encourages cross-generation storytelling and participatory thematic analysis, we conducted multiple visits to six youth arts programs in one city, collecting over 100 stories and transcriptions. Researchers, teaching artists, and youth collectively identified themes in each program. We then analyzed cross-site data. Common themes across sites were growth & learning, community building, and artistic excellence. Understanding these commonalities and stories can help us learn what youth experience in successful programs and what makes these programs tick.

Authors

• Thomas Akiva, University of Pittsburgh
  Presenting Author

• Esohe R. Osai, University of Pittsburgh
  Presenting Author

• Mario Quinn Lyles, University of Pittsburgh
  Non-Presenting Author