Understanding the Suitability and Perceived Value of the YMCA Beyond the Bell Program

Abstract

This report presents the findings of an evaluation conducted by the McMaster Research Shop for the YMCA of Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford Beyond the Bell (BTB) program. The program combines recreation, academic assistance, nutritional snacks, and socialization activities to improve confidence, social skills, physical activity, and learning. While BTB has operated successfully for over 20 years, the recent pandemic has prompted BTB leadership to re-evaluation youth and community needs. The purpose of this evaluation was to understand the needs of the children and families being serviced by BTB and the extent to which BTB is meeting these needs. Our team explored the extent to which BTB's services are suitable to meet the target population's needs and the perceived value of BTB's intended program outcomes. We conducted surveys with educators (n=2) and youth (n=21), and interviews with parents of youth (n=15) in BTB programming.