Theory & Development: Program Evaluation of a Youth College Jail Program

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel explores the theory and development of a youth college jail program through a partnership of the City University of New York (CUNY) and Administration of Children’s Services (ACS) aimed at improving educational outcomes amongst incarcerated youth. Bringing together faculty across CUNY to instruct system-impacted youth, this program integrates academic instruction, training, and services to provide incarcerated youth with opportunities for higher education. Through a program evaluation framework, we examine the effectiveness of the program in enhancing the educational, social, and behavioral outcomes of participants from the perspectives of instructor and student feedback. The purpose of this is to ensure quality instruction as well as engagement from students. Finally, these reflections offer insights into the challenges and successes of developing and evaluating a college-level educational program within the context of youth incarceration as our end goal is to foster positive change and excitement about educational opportunities.

Sub Unit

• Area XI. Methodology / 82. Advances in Evaluation Research

Individual Presentations

• Developing System-Impacted Youth Evaluation Surveys - Beatriz Torre, The Graduate Center, CUNY

• Evaluation & Practice at a Crossroads - Debanjan Roychoudhury, Baruch College, CUNY

• Effectively bringing college and career preparation into juvenile centers - Michael Rothman, CUNY K16 Initiatives

• Teaching and Reflecting in a Secure Youth Detention Facility - Sarah Hoiland, Hostos Community College-CUNY

Chair

• Calvin John Smiley, Hunter College-City University of New York