YMCA After School Program Releases Evaluation
Pictured: A child is reading a book to
Miss Sam in the after school program.
Oskaloosa (November 10, 2014) – The Mahaska County YMCA, in partnership with the Oskaloosa Community School District received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant through the Iowa Department of Education. The purpose of the grant is to provide an afterschool program focused on increasing literacy and math skills, health and technology. The program is offered at the Oskaloosa Elementary School.
A total of 111 students participated in the program last year, including two from the Oskaloosa Christian School. Almost 60% of the enrolled students were in grades K-2. To measure program outcomes, a comprehensive evaluation was designed and implemented. Between fall and spring, 100% of the students participating increased literacy skills in Aimsweb and 56% met their Aimsweb goals. The Iowa Assessment results for 4th and 5th grade students were also assessed. 83% of students demonstrated an increase in literacy skills and 92% demonstrated an increase in math skills between 2013 and 2014.
“I am very pleased with the baseline report and look forward to using this data to continue to inform our work with the children,” said Dawn Collins, YMCA Executive Director.
Other program goals related to exercise, nutrition and family involvement were successfully met as well. To enroll in the after school program or for more information, contact Kristen Getzin or Dawn Collins at the YMCA (641.673.8411). The full evaluation report can be found at www.MahaskaYMCA.org.
