The document discusses the National Youth Employment Coalition's (NYEC) efforts to enhance youth programs through the Promising and Effective Practices Network (PEPNet), which provides tools and standards for assessing and improving program quality. PEPNet emphasizes management practices, programmatic approaches, and youth development competencies to ensure effective support for young people transitioning to adulthood. Additionally, the NYEC offers resources like self-assessment tools and accreditation processes to help organizations improve their services and outcomes.

1. Quality is a Verb:Improving Practicein Youth ProgramsNancy Martin, Director, Capacity Building InitiativesNational Youth Employment CoalitionRaising the Bar 2009Workforce Investment Network for MarylandNovember 6, 2009

2. This SessionNYEC and the Promising and Effective Practices Network (PEPNet)PEPNet Quality Standards for Youth ProgramsResources and Tools

3. National Youth Employment CoalitionA network of over 250 organizations that improves the effectiveness of organizations that help youth become productive citizensBuild Capacity of Youth Programs and OrganizationsSet and Promote Quality StandardsProvide and Support Professional DevelopmentTrack, Craft, and Influence Policy

4. PEPNetPromising and Effective Practices NetworkA system for enhancing the quality of youth programs that link young people to work and education to promote a successful transition to adulthoodPEPNet Provides:Up-to-date information about what works from research and field-based practiceA practical framework and user-friendly tools

5. Uses of PEPNetPEPNet tools and resources are used to:Assess program qualityLearn about and implement quality practicesAssess and document performance resultsDevelop strategies for continuous improvement

6. Development of PEPNet StandardsBegan with a working group in 1995:Response to perception that nothing worksDiverse professionals – direct service providers, researchers, policymakers, funders, TA providersDeveloped consensus on what worksPeriodically updated based on lessons from practice and research

7. PEPNet Since 1995PEPNet Awardees – From 1996 to 2003, 96 programs nationwide received the PEPNet Award sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.Online Index of Quality Practicesand Profiles– NYEC highlights over 1000 Awardee practices.Working with Systems – NYEC has been using PEPNet with youth-serving systems like SDWP to help assess strengths and target technical assistance.PEPNet Accreditation – Based on the previous Award process and the work of major accreditation bodies, NYEC recently completed a pilot initiative to accredit quality youth workforce development programs.

8. Quality in Youth ProgrammingHow do we know if a youth program is working well?

9. PEPNet FrameworkManagement for QualityProgrammatic ApproachYouth Development CompetenciesFocus on Youth Results

10. 1. Management for QualityStandards for program management that provide the foundation for program direction, systems, and operationsMission Financial ManagementLeadership Information ManagementStaff Continuous ImprovementPerformance Accountability Sustainability

11. 2. Programmatic ApproachStandards for program design that address how the program is shaped, how the young person experiences the program, and how the pieces work togetherTarget Youth Wrap-Around SupportEnvironment and Climate Youth EngagementInstructional Approach Employer EngagementCollaboration Transition SupportIndividual Planning and Guidance

12. 3. Youth Development CompetenciesStandards for program offerings based on what youth need to know and be able to do to successfully transition to work and adulthood and how to help them gain those skills Working Academic Learning Connecting Leading Thriving

13. Focus on Youth ResultsStandards for program design that address how the program is shaped, how the young person experiences the program, and how the pieces work togetherWorking Outcomes and Progress MeasuresAcademic Learning Outcomes and Progress MeasuresProductive Engagement OutcomesProgram-Specific OutcomesYouth Development Progress Measures

14. PEPNet Quality Self AssessmentConducted with a diverse group of stakeholders who rate an organization on each Indicator of each StandardTool compiles results and provides composite reportDetermine areas for improvement

15. PEPNet Quality Self AssessmentActivity and Discussion:Mini-PEPNet Quality Self Assessment

16. PEPNet Continuous Improvement ProcessThe Cycle of Continuous Improvement

17. Quality Standards ResourcesPublicationsPEPNet Guide to Quality Standards for Youth ProgramsFrom Data to Results: The PEPNet Guide to Measuring and Improving Results in Youth ProgramsNYEC Education Development Network (NYEC EDNet)

18. Quality Standards ResourcesOnline ToolsSearchable Online Index to Quality PracticesQuality Self Assessment ToolResults Assessment Tool (with Benchmarks)Improvement Action Planning Toolwww.nyec.org/pepnet

19. Quality Standards ResourcesFee-Based ResourcesPEPNet AccreditationSystem-Wide AssessmentOn-site and Telephone Trainings

20. For More Information: NANCY MARTINDirector, Capacity Building InitiativesNational Youth Employment Coalition1836 Jefferson Place, NWWashington, DC 20036Tel. 202-659-1064www.nyec.org