Evaluating Extension programs to determine levels of impact is critical when it comes to demonstrating Extension’s relevance across the state and nation. This effort must be embodied by all Extension professionals. In order to achieve this, there must be capacity building to help individuals develop the skills they need to achieve meaningful programmatic results.

The Program and Staff Development unit hosted an Evaluation Bootcamp to enhance the evaluation capacity among county Extension agents, state Extension associates and specialists.  A total of 17 Extension professionals participated in workshops held over the course of two days. A retrospective survey design was used to gather feedback on the participants’ experiences. The survey allowed participants to rate their understanding of topics related to evaluation before and after the Bootcamp. Participants reported that their knowledge of program evaluation increased (by 34%). Participants also reported that their ability to identify program outcomes increased by 40% as a result of the Bootcamp. Some additional feedback in the form of testimonials were shared: “Something like this should be offered regularly” and “The Bootcamp helped me to see things more clearly and understand them”.

The efforts and interest generated from the Bootcamp will hopefully spark more synergy to identify evaluation champions who can work with the Program and Staff Development unit to help coach others on how to effectively evaluate programs.