Evaluation Matters: Unlocking Growth and Success in 21st CCLC Afterschool Programs

In the world of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), evaluation is often seen as just another requirement — a box to check to maintain funding and compliance. But evaluation is far more than a mandate. At its best, it is a powerful tool for continuous growth, student success, and community impact.

When done thoughtfully, evaluation not only proves that programs are working; it helps them work better.

Why Evaluation Matters Beyond the Mandate

Evaluation is essential because it allows afterschool programs to:

• Tell the story of impact: Through evaluation, programs can capture student growth, academic gains, social-emotional learning outcomes, and community engagement efforts that otherwise might go unnoticed.

• Strengthen program design: Evaluation findings highlight what is working and where adjustments can strengthen activities, partnerships, and staffing.

• Center student and family voices: When youth and families are involved in giving feedback, programs become more responsive and culturally sustaining.

• Build trust with funders and the public: Sharing authentic data shows transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ongoing improvement.

• Empower staff: Reflection and feedback help frontline staff see the difference they are making — and identify new ways to deepen that impact.

While federal guidelines require annual evaluation and continuous improvement planning, the real opportunity lies in building a culture of learning — one where evaluation is not just about compliance, but about commitment to the students and communities we serve.

Participatory Approaches: Evaluation With, Not Just About, People

One of the most promising trends in afterschool evaluation is participatory evaluation. This approach shifts evaluation from something "done to" programs, to something "done with" them.

Participatory evaluation involves:

• Youth and families as co-designers of surveys, focus groups, and interviews

• Program staff leading reflective conversations based on evaluation data

• Collaborative meaning-making sessions where findings are interpreted with those most impacted

By making students, families, and staff active partners in evaluation, programs gain deeper insights — and participants feel more invested in the changes that result.

Participatory methods also support key 21st CCLC goals around youth voice, engagement, and empowerment.

Making Feedback a Habit: Everyday Evaluation Practices That Drive Improvement

Strong evaluation is not a once-a-year event. Programs that thrive use ongoing methods of feedback and reflection, such as:

• Quick weekly pulse surveys for youth

• Regular check-ins with staff about how activities are going

• Suggestion boxes (physical or virtual) for families and students

• Mid-session reflection circles

• Quarterly data review meetings to celebrate progress and identify needs

Building feedback loops into daily and weekly program life helps afterschool teams stay flexible, responsive, and student-centered.

Small, consistent feedback practices often lead to big improvements over time.

Online Resources to Support Evaluation Practice

If you’re interested in diving deeper, here are a two excellent resources that show the impact and importance of evaluation in afterschool programs:

• Sample Evaluation Guide for 21st CCLC Programs
  https://y4yarchives.org/index.php/en/tools/sample-evaluation-guide
  A free, practical guide tailored for 21st CCLC programs, offering tools and templates to support evaluation planning, data collection, and using results to strengthen program impact.

• Afterschool Alliance: Evaluating Out-of-School Time Programs
  https://afterschoolalliance.org
  Includes research briefs and stories showing how evaluation strengthens afterschool programming nationwide.

Final Thoughts: Evaluation is an Act of Care

Ultimately, evaluation matters because young people matter.

By taking evaluation seriously — and embracing it not just as a requirement, but as a tool for reflection, equity, and excellence — afterschool programs can ensure they are doing everything possible to help students thrive.

Evaluation is, at its core, an act of care: listening deeply, learning humbly, and leading with the needs of our communities front and center.