Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix E
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the YouthBuild Evaluation
What is the YouthBuild Evaluation?
The YouthBuild Evaluation is a study to learn how and whether the YouthBuild program helps the
young people it serves. The study will compare the experiences of people who receive services
through YouthBuild with those who do not. If we learn that YouthBuild participants do better at
getting their GEDs or diplomas, and keeping jobs, then we’ll know that it’s because of YouthBuild.
The study is run by MDRC and Mathematica Policy Research. The US Department of Labor and
the Corporation for National and Community Service are paying for the study.
What is my role in the YouthBuild Study?
By participating in the study, you will provide important information that will help create better
programs for other people like you. The study offers you the opportunity to share your experiences
and opinions in three surveys over a four-year period. In each survey, we will ask questions about
your program and educational experiences, job experiences, use of community services, involvement
in the criminal justice system, and some questions about your household. This information will help
us find out how well YouthBuild works. All your personal information will be kept private and we
will never use names in a public report.
How do I complete the surveys?
You will be able to complete each survey easily on the web. Instructions on how to access the
survey will be provided in a letter sent shortly before everyone is asked to complete the survey.
When will I complete the three surveys?
We will contact you to complete the first survey about one year after you applied to the YouthBuild
program. We will contact you about a year-and-a-half and two-and-half years later to complete the
second and third surveys. Even if you didn’t end up receiving YouthBuild services, we want you to
complete each survey since your response is very important.
Do I get anything for completing the surveys?
Each time you complete one of the surveys, you will receive a debit card worth anywhere between
$25 and $40 as a thank you.
What if I’m not participating in YouthBuild services right now (or have never participated)?
Even if you aren’t participating in YouthBuild now (or never did), you are still a very important part
of the study. We want to know how you’re doing so we can learn how to support better programs
for young people.
How do I contact you?

Our toll-free phone number is 1-866-907-1936. There is no cost for calling this number. You can
also send us an E-mail at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter:
@YBResearch.