YouthBuild USA is a national youth leadership development program designed to help low-income youth, aged 16-24, attain a high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) credential. The program also provides youth with occupational skills and experience while developing leadership skills and deepening their commitment to service and engagement in their community.
 
Study Goals:
The goal of the study was to examine the differences in the program structures, service experiences, and program outcomes among the three groups of YouthBuild AmeriCorps programs.
 
Research Questions:
The primary research questions were:
  1. How are AmeriCorps service experiences similar and/or different among the three types of YouthBuild AmeriCorps programs?
  2. Among the three program types, based on the telephone interviews and site visits, are there major differences in the ways in which service is integrated into the overall program?
  3. Are there significant differences in outcomes among the three types of YouthBuild AmeriCorps programs in terms of core program measures?
Results:
The major findings included were:
  • YouthBuild AmeriCorps programs represent a diverse array of programs in terms of organizational context, how education programs are organized and structured, the range of service experiences, and who the programs serve.
  • While all three program types produced a positive service experience and positive outcomes for AmeriCorps participants, there were consistent, statistically significant differences among the three program types.
  • The telephone interviews and site visits suggest that some core elements and lessons are common across program types.

For more information, download the full report.

Full report

Full Report
Final_Report_Service_in_Diploma_and_Non_Diploma_Granting_Programs_Final_Appendix_508.pdf

Further information

Program/Intervention
YouthBuild National Direct AmeriCorps Program
Implementing Organization
YouthBuild USA, Inc
Intermediary(s)

YouthBuild USA, Inc

AmeriCorps Program(s)
AmeriCorps State and National
Age(s) Studied
18-25 (Young adult)
Outcome Category
K-12 success
Study Type(s)
Impact
Study Design(s)
Quasi-Experimental (QED)
Level of Evidence
Strong
Researcher/Evaluator
The Center for Youth and Communities (Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University)
Published Year
2019
Study Site Location (State)
Connecticut