Context
The WCS Career Lattice is our integrated career pathways program that supports the 1,900 youth aged 14 to 24 years old who enroll in volunteer, internship, and part-time employment opportunities at our five parks each year. The evaluation of the Career Lattice has been ongoing since 2018 and informs our strategies for connecting, developing, and advancing WCS youth.
Evaluation Questions
· Connect: How does the Career Lattice’s approach to recruitment impact the diversity of youth participating in WCS volunteer, internship, and part-time employment opportunities?
· Develop: How does the Career Lattice support youth skill development and career awareness?
· Advance: How does the Career Lattice impact youths’ career interests and trajectories?
Methods
We collect a variety of data to address the evaluation questions:
- Youth Census and Exit Survey. We collect demographic data and administer an anonymous exit survey to youth to understand the impact of the positions, including supervision, knowledge and skill development, professional development experiences, and career goals.
- Supervisor Surveys and Focus Groups. We administer a survey and facilitate focus groups with youth supervisors to provide feedback on their experience, including processes, support, and self-efficacy supporting youth. Findings inform our supervisor resources and professional development workshops.
- Tracking Internal Advancement. We developed reports for tracking youth movement into new positions at WCS to understand how the Career Lattice supports young people in their careers.
We also study strategies to increase STEM and conservation engagement for youth. Our projects include:
