Independent evaluation reports ‘positive impacts’ and a need for more ‘available seats’
In a recent independent study, local students and parents reported “positive impacts” and “strong outcomes” within the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (OYN), a Newark-based nonprofit serving opportunity youth 16-24. Through a year-long evaluation, the Metis study explored how LEAD Charter School - the centerpiece of the OYN strategy - is successfully impacting students and families through its unique model.
“Reading the comments from students and families make it abundantly clear that there is a need for more seats dedicated to opportunity youth.” said Robert Clark, Chief Executive Officer of OYN. “It is also clear that despite the demonization of young people through labels like "drop-outs" or "at risk", these young people are searching for spaces to connect them to post secondary success. We look forward to continuing to learn about the nuanced needs of students to better support their success.”
In 2019, the New Jersey Community Foundation commissioned Metis Associates – an independent evaluation consulting group out of New York City – to explore the network’s efforts through three specific lenses: the experience and perceptions of Newark’s opportunity youth, the achievement outcomes of current and former LEAD Charter School students, and challenges and key areas for improvement.
Analysts surveyed several current LEADers, alumnus and family members within the community to gain insight into the OYN organization and its approach to serving young people seeking connection.
Here are a few key takeaways:
Students choose LEAD Charter School over similar alternative-education programs because of positive peer reviews and LEAD’s promise of job-readiness training, industry-standard certifications and post-secondary preparedness.
Application and enrollment data at LEAD indicates there is more demand for NOYN’s services than available seats. Since 2017, about one in four applicants are ultimately placed at LEAD. This suggests the need for expansion and/or replication of the unique LEAD brand in order to meet the demand for services.
LEAD’s relationship-based reengagement process and supportive staffing model is working for many disconnected youth with strategies that should be adopted by both traditional and alternative schools seeking to engage and re-engage at-risk youth.
Throughout the study, young people specifically regarded LEAD and NOYN staff as supportive professionals who cared about them, and helped them with personal challenges.
A notable majority of young people said they are considerably more confident and prepared to advocate for themselves as a result of their participation in LEAD. Both groups also reported their outlook on their future has improved since interacting with the school.
About Metis Associates
Metis is a national research/evaluation firm, headquartered in New York City, with more than 41 years of successful experience in field-based public education research/evaluation and information management in support of mission-driven organizations such as Newark Opportunity Youth Network. Metis has conducted various studies in the Newark area for over 18 years.
About Newark Opportunity Youth Network
Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) is New Jersey’s leading advocate of opportunity youth with a body of replicable initiatives that are designed to address youth disconnection.