The community learning center we are studying represents one of the most ambitious out-of-school learning programs in the nation. The center’s advanced technological infrastructure and assets driven youth development approach offers 4th through 12th grade students the opportunity to engage in a variety of educational and enrichment activities with a particular focus on career exploration and orientation.
Our two-year study investigates the center’s work and impact.  The first year will be dedicated to gathering baseline data on the program and participants and contributing to the formative evaluation of the center.  A rigorous impact study will be carried out in the second year drawing on a range of quantitative and qualitative data to measure the program’s effect on participant’s learning, attitude, and career orientation.  The study will help the center, its partners, and other community development and educational institutions better understand the value of an asset-driven, technology-intensive approach as they seek to improve and expand their programs.