Independent Evaluation of the National Urban League Urban Youth Empowerment Program

NIWL conducted an evaluation in National Urban League (NUL) affiliates of the Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP). NIWL’s evaluation combined quantitative and qualitative methods‚ drawing on multiple data sources: the NUL database of UYEP participants; visits to selected UYEP sites‚ including interviews with staff and partners (e.g. representatives from business‚ workforce investment systems‚ alternative education systems‚ postsecondary institutions‚ faith- and community-based organizations‚ the juvenile justice system‚ etc.); focus groups with alumni; and a review of the literature on best practices in workforce development programs for young people. This evaluation strategy provided NUL with a holistic picture of the implementation‚ output‚ and outcomes of UYEP. It also allowed for comparison and contrast in program implementation among the sites and facilitated identification and understanding of best practices.