Randomized Control Evaluation of the Young Potential Development Program in Ecuador

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Social and Emotional Learning Programs and Practices: Quality Implementation and Outcomes

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental study exploring the role of socioemotional skills in improving youth outcomes of at-risk youth from municipal schools in Quito, Ecuador. The Young Potential Development (YPD) program seeks to develop youths’ interpersonal, career-oriented, and socio-emotional skills to prepare them for higher education, productive work, and entrepreneurship. The evaluation is a randomized controlled trial at the student level. Treatment students were taught by a YPD-trained teacher, while control students were taught by a regular teacher. The results show that both treatment and control students obtained similar results for self-efficacy, social-skills and perception of the school climate. Exploratory analysis by gender suggests male and female student’s socioemotional skills may be impacted differently by the intervention.

Authors

• Sara Borelli, IMPAQ International, LLC

• Michaela Gulemetova, IMPAQ International, LLC

• Melissa Paredes, IMPAQ International, LLC