Concrete_21st Century Grant_Year 3_Evaluation2021

In response to COVID and overall student well-being, the 21 st CCLC staff introduced a
Healthy Habits program with their students, as hygiene and personal space became such
an impactful part of the club experience. Staff conducted a series of lessons focused on
hygiene using the Healthy Habits curriculum. One staff commented, “We gave them the
space to know that beyond all of the COVID restrictions, [there are hygiene aspects] we
do every day. The kids responded pretty positively.” Staff also spoke highly of the
organized and thorough COVID protocols that were in place, making it possible for
students to participate safely throughout the year without being anxious about getting
sick.
EQ2. What contextual factors influence program implementation?
During Year 3, factors that impacted the ability for program to operate at capacity
included issues around staffing, transportation, technology, and COVID restrictions.
There were several staffing challenges during the 2020-2021 school year that impacted
programming. Roles within the BGCSC changed, and leadership of the 21 st CCLC shifted
accordingly. Additionally, it was a challenge to find staff interested in working in the
program, due to location and salary. The program director noted, “[Our] location makes
staffing an issue. Also, and just a speculation, but with unemployment being so generous,
we are all having trouble getting staff, since we can hire just above minimum wage.”
Program staff also commented on challenges around staffing, however, they felt that they
had been able to experience success as a team. One staff member shared,
We work well together. We have been able to build up our club culture, and create
an environment we want to work in. In some ways starting from the ground up
has been really positive. We have a really great starting point with great attitudes.
[Staff] are rolling with the punches…we have been flexible and understanding of
the complicated time we are in. Even though we are a small team, we run
ourselves effectively and confidently.
In addition to challenges with hiring and retaining staff, the lack of transportation
available to students was a significant barrier throughout the year. Students who were not
in school did not have a way to participate. The program director commented, “With
transportation, we would have had more kids and more robust programming.”
Technology use was another challenge during Year 3. Program staff expressed their
concerns about the impact of so many hours in front of computer screens during the
pandemic, noting effects on students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being. One
staff member shared, “We need to get kids unplugged, [and] get them outside to get some
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THE BERC GROUP