Week 1: Understanding the Power of Data Explore the broad reasons for engaging in evaluation in order to understand the power that data can deliver to your organization. This session provides students a high-level overview of the evaluation cycle. Learn why using data-driven practices are important and leave knowing how to articulate how the social sector can leverage data to measure their impact.

Week 2: Assessment Phase & Logic Models Dissecting programs through a critical analysis helps to articulate the core components of any initiative, including inputs, outputs, and expected outcomes – also known as conducting a Logic Model or Theory of Change. Determine what data you already track and what data still needs to be collected for each component. Explore the complementary aspects of regular data collection, and targeted, periodic evaluation.

Week 3: Transforming Programming into Measureable Outcomes & Outputs Want to make sure your measurement tools are as efficient as possible? First, you need to make sure you are asking the right questions. In this training, we start by breaking down your program’s purpose and mission. Throughout the process we train nonprofit professionals to be strategic when designing an evaluation. Participants will leave with a set of variables/indicators to be used in a survey or interview and discuss how they could be best measured.

Week 4: Designing Measurement Tools Using a Mixed-Methods Approach Sometimes, numbers can give you a good indication of how well an organization is doing, but it’s not always the whole story. Organizations need to also support evidence of their impact with humanizing stories and real-world anecdotes of how their program changes lives. Explore the complementary aspects of quantitative and qualitative research and be ready to address your own biases! Learn about mixed methods approaches and how to develop measurement tools that actually capture the results you are looking to measure.

Week 5: Organizing, Managing, and Analyzing Data Once you have collected your data, the next step is to take it from raw data to aggregate results. It is imperative to value the methodologies of this process over simply obtaining advanced statistical technological programs. Learning how to handle your data and manage any pitfalls that occurred during the implementation phase will help you maximize the data you have collected. This will also mitigate the effects of any less-than-perfect implementations. Learn more advanced methodologies to help you ensure your analysis is sound and impress stakeholders.

Week 6: Storytelling Using Data Having aggregate data of your evaluation is not enough. This session will teach you how to craft this data in a format that effectively conveys your true impact. Understanding how to present your results to a variety of audiences ensures your efforts are communicated in the best light. Learn how to take your results to the next level by analyzing your audience and customizing your data to convince all stakeholders that you are making a real impact.

Question or concerns can be directed to info@evaluate4change.com