Evaluation findings have implications for program design and organization, including priorities to enhance staffs' understanding of the program model through quality training and support; the design of simple lessons with focused activities that are replicated throughout the program; helping staff with making cross-curricular connections, planning and problem solving related to group dynamics, accommodating youth developmental differences; and increasing administrative support and accountabilities toward the end of a program week and day. Practitioners, educators, and evaluators can leverage our findings to inform high-quality programs designed to support youth development.
Lower-Hoppe et al. (Sat,) studied this question.