Youth & Communities Program: Key Elements

KEY ELEMENTS/STRATEGIES OF SUCCESSFUL YOUTH & COMMUNITIES PROGRAM PROPOSALS

• Direct services for youth of all backgrounds that exemplify the characteristics of settings known to promote positive youth development.
• Recognized "Best Practice" in the field with proven or tested efforts with clear, identified positive youth outcomes and high potential for replication.
• Public policy and advocacy work capable of re-aligning local and state policies and resources to improve services for children, youth and families.
• Ability to strengthen the capacity of community adults (parents, families, caregivers, neighbors, elected officials) to provide supports and opportunities for youth.
• Evidence of multi-institution partnership/collaboration that draws on the expertise, resources and capabilities of each of the partners.
• Ability to leverage the resources of the Stuart Foundation.
• Accurate baseline data for the project/program's defined issue as a means of demonstrating an understanding for future evaluation and the organization's ability to measure its own levels of success.
• A plan for future sustainability beyond the timeframe of the Stuart Foundation grant.