To realize the potential of any youth program, evidence suggests that positive outcomes for youth are only seen when the programs youth attend are high quality (Borden, Schlomer, & Wiggs, 2011). The AYPA is intended to help programs assess the quality of their program and identify areas of strength or where additional attention is warranted to maximize the effect the program may have on youth.
Items in this measure are derived from the Eccles and Gootman (2002) eight Essential Elements of youth program quality. Each of these elements is comprised of specific components that provide information about that element. Each item was created based on the components that comprise each element.
Youth benefit from participation in youth programming, however the positive outcomes that come with participation are only seen when programming is high in quality. Ultimately, by improving youth program quality, any youth outcomes such as academic achievement, social emotional and like skills development, health and well-being, and civic engagement can also be improved.
After completing the AYPA, the AYPA Team should review the AYPA Report and complete a AYPA Improvement Action Plan. The AYPA Improvement Action Plan is a tool installation program staff can use to document their plans for increasing scores for one or more of the essential elements for positive youth development.
Reference documents for Army CYS Managers to facilitate both the hard copy and online AYPA.
