11. Frequently Asked Questions (Appendix E)

APPENDIX E:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.