Projects

Formative Evaluation of the KidZone Initiative in Northwest Philadelphia

KidZone is a ten-year initiative, beginning in Northwest Philadelphia, to ensure the success of children from birth through school and into early adulthood. The KidZone motto - Lift as We Climb - exemplifies the approach of building on the strengths of individuals, families and neighborhoods to work toward the well-being of all children. KidZone is working in three areas - education, employment and engagement. The goal of its work in education is that children will be healthy, ready for school success and make a smooth transition to kindergarten. Work in the area of employment focuses on helping young people reach the end of their high school careers ready for further education or ready to earn at a "living wage" job. Civic engagement work supports parents and community members to work together to support healthy child, youth and family development and school success.

CAPD conducted interviews with the KidZone Leadership Council, Core Staff, and other stakeholders on a range of topics including what respondents knew about KidZone and its accomplishments, what they believe should be the strategies KidZone will need to implement to reach its goals and the challenges and opportunities that it faces, and what they would expect to see KidZone accomplish in the coming years for it to be considered successful.