1. Raised academic aspirations to get better grades, to consider going to college and to stay in our school year tutoring/mentoring programs.
2. Proficiency gains in core academic subjects.
3. Solid effort in achieving academic and personal goals since effort is almost always commensurate with achievement.
4. Parent feedback to our initiatives to ascertain if we are serving their needs well.

Critical Metrics
Several qualitative and quantitative assessment measures for both programs are firmly in place. First, in order to determine whether we have succeeded in raising our students’ academic aspirations, our students keep weekly “Going for Greatness” journals. With the help of their counselor, they set weekly and long-term goals, both academic and personal. Counselors are trained to help guide students in taking the steps necessary to achieve their goals, and counselors follow up with the students each week to assess how they are doing and make suggestions. Counselors also make phone calls throughout the program to the students’ parents to follow up on students’ progress in class and at home.

Second, we administer and compare pre and post test results to measure our students’ proficiency gains in the core academic subjects of English, math, science, and history after the program. Third, in each academic subject for each grade level, as well as in each sport, a “Best Effort Award” is given to the student who demonstrates consistently his/her best effort. In student evaluation forms, teachers, counselors, and coaches note and comment on the student’s effort throughout the program.

Fourth, to ascertain whether we are effectively meeting our parents’ needs, we study the parent evaluation forms collected at the end of the program. We also study our student evaluation forms to see what they feel they benefited from and what they feel needs to improve. Fifth, for long-term assessment, we look at the number of students who choose to come back to the program as junior staff (their first summer back must be on a volunteer basis). We have also begun to make follow up phone calls and to send postcards to our graduates to track them and to see if they have any interest in continuing with our high school programs.

Parents' Comments

"I would like to thank you and all the PALS staff for their dedication to the educational advancement of our kids. What a great program!

"As I sit with Karina and Karla, when my time permits, to help them with homework, I have been able to discern how the knowledge and experience of the PALS Program has helped them with their regular school work and improved social life. They have gained a new sense of responsibility and maturity that only comes through the dedication of a well qualified teaching staff. As you well know this maturity Karina has gained is what has kept her from listening to ill advice from kids involved in other than school activities, and as a result of your program other kids from her school, having seen their progress, have requested to join the program. Some of their families, the ones I know, have commented how hopeful they are that their kids are accepted into the program. I hope this will be possible.

"It is our sincere wish for the PALS program to continue providing the quality of educational assistance for the benefit of all children able to participate in such an incredible program, especially today, when public education seems to have reached such difficult and trying times. Once again, our deepest appreciation to you and the PALS program staff for their time, dedication, and unconditional love for our children.
- Norman & Guadalupe Lopez
Annandale, VA

"Our daughter, Veronica Johnson, just completed the 2004 PALS Summer program. We have heard nothing but good news throughout the five weeks she attended the program. The program was a great success. The teachers, counselors and all the staff did an outstanding job of organizing the students with their day to day activities, accomplishments of their goals and achieving another level of maturity in scholastics and character.

"This was a very worthwhile experience for Veronica. She has no problem with getting homework, she looks forward to going every morning. I am very happy about the program and I thank you. This is certainly going to help with the upcoming school year.

"Independently using public transportation was an achievement in itself. Parental involvement sessions were of an advantage. It enabled us to be in contact with teachers and counselors. The evening programs also allowed us to meet other parents and their daughters. More importantly, the information about other programs, schools and scholarships was very helpful and insightful."
- Delvin and Teri Johnson

"Thank you again for a wonderful program this summer. Ariel has begun to blossom into who she really is and demonstrated what she is capable of.”
- Robert Gaskil

"“The work you are doing is so important to the future of our country. I am really impressed with your staff and helpers. All of us have had help in our lives but not as many as should are out there giving back.”
- Richard Kane

"It is my belief that PALS is a unique and necessary program that addresses the needs of adolescent girls…The program provides a broad curriculum that not only stimulates but also challenges…I have watched my own daughter grow in the program and develop with a better understanding of what is takes to exhibit morals and good character. She has been supported and motivated by a caring staff of teachers and counselors. I will continue to support the program long after my daughter out grows it."
- Sharee Wharton

"PALS has been a help for my daughter in her academics as well as her leadership abilities. The program also gives her a chance to gather with girls outside of her school environment to exchange ideas and experiences."
- Hazel Lilly

"Ashley has been in the fall program and really enjoyed it. She has benefited form the tutorial sessions. I would like to see her continue and complete the spring program. Thank you!"
-Geary Bethel

"Christina has taken a more aggressive approach to studying and applying her time wisely. Her instructor believed the continuing academic enrichment at PALS has assisted her in taking a mature attitude toward her work and he applauds the program. Christina looked forward to attending PALS…"
- Dalerie Williams