Purpose
The purpose of this study is to synthesize and share the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative’s approach to youth engagement. The study’s findings communicate how authentically engaging youth can help both the Jim Casey Initiative and youth-serving systems achieve their desired results.
Research Questions
The study’s ultimate goal is to develop an understanding of how authentic youth engagement occurs and operates as part of the work in Jim Casey Initiative sites. More specifically, this study answers six questions, which are outlined in the Results section below.
Method
The approach used in this study can be described as in-depth, mixed-methods organizational case studies. The six research questions were answered using four data sources: (1) reviews of site documentation, (2) secondary analysis of data from the Opportunity Passport® Participant Survey, (3) surveys with 46 site youth and 35 staff/community partners, and (4) interviews with 15 site youth and 15 staff/community partners.
