A Co-Learning Model for Community-Engaged Program Evaluation

Objectives: The development, implementation, and assessment of a masters-level program evaluation course designed to train future and current leaders of community-based organizations (CBOs) is described.

Background: In addition to sending students “out” into the community, staff from local community organizations were invited “in” to the classroom to take the course alongside students. Community partners selected a specific evaluation need within their organization that teams could address. The “final” for the course involved creating a comprehensive evaluation plan for each organization to implement.

Methods: Student course evaluations and semistructured interviews with community partners were conducted and analyzed to assess how course goals were met.

Results/Lessons Learned: The course goals were met, the partnering experience was highly valued, and insightful improvements were suggested.

Conclusions: This program evaluation course provides an innovative, effective, flexible, and replicable partnership practice model that builds student skills and community capacity in evaluation research.