Outcome measurement is often the most difficult task of a nonprofit organization, demanding a number of financial and human resources that some organizations simply do not have. After researching the key measurement data and evaluating various tools, The Collaborative selected Hello Insight: Sports to measure Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) capacities that tend to be nurtured when children participate in sports and other out-of-school time activities. SEL is the process through which young people understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Using the pre/post assessment and evaluation surveying tool, Collaborative member organizations measure the growth of SEL capacities of youth participating in their programs, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of their program practices. Hello Insight provides users with specific recommendations and training in areas needing improvement.
The Collaborative has surveyed over 1400 Philadelphia youth participating in SBYD programs and have found that 97% of young people saw growth in at least one SEL capacity, with particular growth in: Academic Self Efficacy, Self Management, Social Skills, and Self Confidence. This data was most recently included in a report published by Hello Insight and Laureus USA showing that youth participating in SBYD programs are far more likely to exhibit positive growth in SEL capacities compared to youth in non-sport programs.