Midterm evaluation report : performance evaluation of the at-risk youth activity

The At-Risk Youth (ARY) Activity was designed to respond to the needs of at-risk youth with the long-term goal of implementing a sustainable, multi-disciplinary safety net for at-risk youth that also prevents crime. This mixed-method evaluation incorporated the use of interviews, focus groups, and a youth survey. The key findings and conclusions for each of the key research questions are: (1) regarding youth outcomes, the evaluation found that, though the quantitative data were unable to definitively measure impacts, beneficiaries and stakeholders cited strong benefits from the program; (2) regarding the key factors influencing success in achieving outcomes, the evaluation found that challenges with the complexity of implementation and community factors such as violence were the key limiters to success; (3) regarding sustainability, the evaluation found that, despite the program's positive reviews, a sustainable source of funding and management have yet to be identified; (4) regarding sub-awardee capacity building, though some challenges were encountered, organizations benefited from their participation in the ARY Activity; and (5) regarding stakeholder perceptions of the program, the ARY Activity received very positive reviews from stakeholders. These findings and conclusions resulted in recommendations for USAID regarding project implementation and project monitoring systems, a recommendation for the GoDR to continue making investments to reduce violence in communities, and several thematic recommendations that would help improve the design and implementation of future programs like the ARY Activity. (Author abstract, modified)