A PROCESS EVALUATION OF THE YOUTH PHILANTHROPY INITIATIVE, A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Abstract

This process evaluation examines the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) program in Tulsa, Oklahoma and whether the implementation of this experience is meeting the basic psychological and/or developmental needs of youth. YPI is an outside-of-school organization for teenage development. The lenses through which this evaluation was performed are self-determination theory and the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets framework. These lenses are complementary, as self-determination theory could provide a psychological rationale through which the 40 Developmental Assets are explained. YPI aims to develop youth into self-aware philanthropists, leaders, and agents for social change. Participation in this program lasts three calendar years. As such, rather than a longitudinal analysis, this evaluation examines the extent to which the four educational elements of YPI—self-awareness, philanthropy, leadership, and community-building—may be achieved. Though existing literature confirms the effectiveness of some youth development programs, no such outcome-driven data exists to place YPI within the spectrum of its peer programs. Results of this process evaluation shed some light on whether YPI should continue its operation, where to make improvements, and how the YPI program may be distinguished from other outside-of-school youth development programs.