Executive Summary

University YMCA

Ed Kim, Youth Development Leadership M. Ed. Candidate

Email: edsfinalproject@gmail.com Web: http://edsfinalproject.blogspot.com

Part of a Master’s of Education final
project exploring the impact of social
networking on youth development
work
Object Description:
The University of Minnesota YMCA is a unique branch of the YMCA of
Metropolitan Minneapolis, with programs dedicated to enriching U of
M students’ lives and providing mentorship and peer-tutoring
opportunities for youth in the Twin Cities Metro area

Evaluation Study Context Analysis:

Clients To review the current communication system and process for the
 Da rielle Gengler University YMCA programs, staff, volunteers and participants.
 Da vi d Moore

Methods Used: Purpose of the Evaluation:

 Si te Visits To conduct a formative evaluation that will look at the communication
 Document Review
that occurs both internally and externally at the University YMCA,
 Da ta Dialogue
 3-person informal interviews
particularly social networking and other web-based tools
 Electronic surveys
 Bl og responses Evaluation Questions:
1) How can we more effectively market the University YMCA to
Sta keholders :
the University of Minnesota?
 Progra m Sta ff
 Volunteer Staff
a. What social networking sites are available that aren’t
 Coordinators (‘coords ’) being used or how do we most effectively utilize these
 Progra m Pa rti cipants sites?
 Community Pa rtners b. Does the University YMCA offer a cohesive welcoming
atmosphere/community to students?
Progra ms : c. What can be done to improve the University YMCA
 Y-Tutors page online? What do students want on a website?
 Y-Buddies
What attracts them?
 Y-Scholars
2) How can we improve internal program communications?
 Y-Immersion
 CLIP a. Are there systems or on-line tools we can utilize?
 Y-CAP b. How can we as an organization speed up processes
such as hiring/getting references?

Recommendations:
 Create an online events calendar that is updated regularly and linkable to Facebook
 Transform the U-YMCA page into an easy to use clearinghouse for all program information, with each program
easily separated and information updated regularly
 Streamline and simplify the reference process, passing the onus to the applicant in an easy online process
 Improve on-site resources (i.e. computers) to meet the needs of program staff
Survey Monkey: Evaluation Study
Total Respondents: 28
Total Sample Size: 70
Response Rate: 40%
Survey Monkey: U-YMCA Year-End Study
Total Respondents: 66
Total Sample Size: 400
Response Rate: 16.5%