Training Tuesday: Program Evaluation Methods

Looking to energize your 4-H Volunteer training with fresh ideas and creativity? Each week, we’re bringing you dynamic, research-based resources that are ready to use and easy to fit into your program. Supporting volunteers in reaching their goals and delivering high-quality youth experiences is at the heart of Volunteer Involvement across our CCE System (VIPP). These lessons are crafted to inspire innovation, build confidence, and help you share the 4-H story in ways that truly connect, captivate, and make a lasting impact! 

Today’s Highlight: Program Evaluation Methods — Measure What Matters! 

Curious about how to gauge your program’s success and growth? This lesson introduces practical tools for assessing educational impact, gathering meaningful feedback, and reflecting on your progress. Volunteers will explore how thoughtful evaluation leads to stronger programming, better decision-making, and more impactful learning experiences for youth. 

The Program Evaluation Methods lesson offers hands-on strategies and reflection tools that help volunteers identify what’s working and where improvements can be made. Participants will learn how to collect and interpret data, set measurable goals, and use evaluation results to continuously enhance their 4-H efforts. 

The Program Evaluation Methods Activities, along with Fact Sheets, and PowerPoint Slides for the Educational Design and Delivery domain, can be found on the National Volunteerism Resource Hub —a project of the PLWG National 4-H Volunteerism Charter Group designed to house resources that strengthen the preparation, engagement, and development of 4-H volunteers nationwide. 

These resources are based on the Volunteer Research Knowledge and Competency (VRKC) Taxonomy Model—a research-backed guide that maps out the key skills needed for volunteers to thrive in 4-H. From communication and organization to program management, educational design, and positive youth development, each skill area helps volunteers bring out the best in every young person they serve! 

Questions? Reach out to Kelly Campbell (kmc86@cornell.edu )