What Works: Tools to Help Improve Youth Outcomes

How can we help young people - especially those from low-income backgrounds–improve their life prospects? To help answer that question for anyone who designs, administers, or funds services for youth, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation recently supported Child Trends to examine what works in youth programs. Child Trends also compiled information on the kinds of outcomes that communities can strive to achieve and maintain for young people. These tools, which are described below, can be accessed on the Child Trends website by visiting Research Tools To Improve Youth Development. There are two parts to this database:

Programs for Teens section summarizes the best available program evaluations to determine what works, what doesn't work, and what are some "good bets" (or promising practices). Through the interactive What Works tables, readers will be able to identify youth outcomes which either have, or have not, been positively affected through youth programs using various approaches.

Outcomes for Teens section discusses more than 25 major outcomes (in educational achievement, health and safety, social and emotional well-being, and self-sufficiency) that programs and communities can seek to affect in the lives of youth with their services.

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Highlights from the News

May 07, 2009
With Stimulus Aid Coming, Charities Need to Build on Success
The Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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November 11, 2008
Charity begins in the office
The Financial Times,
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March 29, 2008
Nonprofits look to invest in themselves
The Financial Times,
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March 09, 2008
For Good, Measure
The New York Times Magazine,
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January 10, 2008
Three charities win money to vastly expand operations
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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January 06, 2008
Can foundations take the long view again?
The New York Times,
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December 21, 2007
New fund to help charities add efficiency by growth
The New York Times,
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December 20, 2007
Doing due-diligence on your donations
The Wall Street Journal,
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December 12, 2007
For-profit lessons for nonprofit giving
Marketplace (National Public Radio),
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November 12, 2007
How long should gifts grow?
The New York Times,
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October 19, 2007
Fantasy philanthropy baseball- Compete for capital!
Slate.com,
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September 06, 2007
Way to grow: Charities use business practices to rapidly expand their programs
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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May 21, 2007
Business-oriented venture philanthropists
Financial Times,
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February 16, 2007
Uncharitable thoughts: Are foundations elitist, anti-democratic, and In danger of losing their tax exemptions?
Slate.com,
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February 09, 2006
A singular focus on kids: Clark Foundation sees success in its controversial youth program
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
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