Information Technology and Outcome Measurement at Girls Incorporated

This article describes a number of research projects that seek to support Girls Inc, an initiative
that explores the changing needs of girls through research-based programmes and public education
efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights.

Some of the research carried out at Girls, Inc. includes development of a national evaluation
system to document changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes of participants. Girls Inc. has included sample pretests and posttests, for example, measuring participants' knowledge, skills, and attitudes before and after participation, with each programme curriculum. Affiliates are described as having adapted these for their own reporting to funders and others.

According to Chen, Girls Inc. recognises girls as the experts in evaluating and improving the
community in which they participate. Chen describes a participatory evaluation that includes girls from 12-18, who as evaluators, explore the impact of Girls Inc. and discover ways that the Girls Inc. community might be improved. A component of the project focuses on developing primarily qualitative tools for girls to measure and report outcomes from participating in comprehensive Girls Inc. programming, and identifying key factors that account for those outcomes. These components are described as using different types of evaluation methods and outcome information. In both cases "the use of information technology will help streamline the evaluation process, enhance outcome data management, and promote greater information sharing that will lead to program improvement."