More than just a test: USI professor uses fellowship to explore the impact of YouthBuild USA of Evansville

During the summer of 2014, Dr. Clarissa Willis, associate professor of education, took part in a fellowship provided by the University of Southern Indiana's Center for Applied Research and Economic Development (CARED). The fellowship allowed Willis to research the impact of YouthBuild USA in Evansville as they worked to give students an opportunity to pass the high school equivalency test.

YouthBuild USA is a national program for 16- to 24-year-olds who are eligible for a high school equivalency program. Generally, participants come from low-income communities and are sometimes encouraged by the judicial system to participate in the program. The program, which has a small budget and staff, is designed to not only educate students but offer them an opportunity to learn leadership and social skills that will benefit their decision-making processes in the future.

Willis observed the 2013 class in order to better understand the factors that affected a student's success in the class. Pre-testing is done before the class begins and a follow-up test is administered before the equivalency test is taken. Of the students who participated last year, there was a 46 percent completion rate, which is significantly higher than other programs of a similar nature. Willis found that the success of the students in YouthBuild USA is determined by the amount of one-on-one attention and support the student receives, hands-on experiences, community service experiences, leadership development skills and the development of values and decision-making skills.

In addition to monitoring the success of the students, Willis also learned what motivated participants to work toward completing a high school equivalency test. Many of the students indicated that they wanted to learn new job skills as well as better themselves for the benefit of their children. The possibilities of these goals were made realistic by the testimonies of successful participants in the past. Students were motivated by various factors. Some students expressed their desire to continue their education, some want to join the military and others wanted to begin work in construction. However, they all indicated a desire to succeed. 

Willis would like to continue her research with YouthBuild USA by mentoring new students as they enter into the program and continue to observe their progress until their graduation. For Willis, the success of this program hinges on YouthBuild USA's goal to not only educate but also involve students in the community.

"YouthBuild USA not only empowers its students but also enables them to be successful by helping them develop the skills they need to build a future," said Willis. That's what sets them apart from other similar programs."