H.Y.P.E. RESEARCH

H.Y.P.E. research will combine outcome evaluation with process evaluation to provide more information on H.Y.P.E.’s impact. Primary indicators of success will be participant reports of reduced aggressive thoughts and behaviors, reduced hopelessness, as well as increased aspirations and positive attitudes about their race by the end of the program and at six-month follow-up. Other indicators of success will be the proper implementation of the program at the pilot sites, as well as satisfaction with the program, and its training, technical assistance, and coaching. A quasi-experimental design will be employed to evaluate the changes compared to a comparison group of youth (i.e. 40 youth who do not participate in the intervention) to determine whether observed changes can be attributed to the program. Parental consent and youth assent will be obtained. 

The H.Y.P.E. outcome evaluation will focus on behavioral and attitudinal changes related to preventing destructive behavior, increasing graduation rates, fostering goal development, and providing skills for and excitement about employment. The program will be considered successful if significant positive changes (i.e. p≥.05) are observed from pre-test to post-test, or from pre-test or post-test to follow-up in the intervention group. Descriptive analyses, paired-samples t-tests, and Analysis of Variance will be used to detect these changes. In addition, significant differences are expected between those who do and do not participate in the program at post-test and follow-up.

    Interested in joining research to make H.Y.P.E. evidence-based? Please complete this contact form to learn more about the benefits of involvement in H.Y.P.E. research!