The researchers used several different ways to gather data. These included:

• Interviews with YAI and club staff members and leaders
• Surveys of arts class participants
• Focus groups with current and past program participants, parents, and  club staff members
• Observation of the arts programming

This report examines a multi-year pilot program funded by Wallace and carried out by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The pilot served 929 predominantly African-American or Latino, female, and low-income tweens aged 11 or below. The program was conducted across three Club sites: Central Minnesota, Greater Milwaukee, and Wisconsin’s Greater Green Bay. 

Data was collected from five visits to clubhouses, where focus groups were conducted with clubhouse staff, leadership, teaching artists, community artists, art liaisons; non-YAI staff at clubhouses; and arts skill-development participants and parents. The researchers observed skill-development classes at participating clubs. They reviewed student attendance and background data. They toured the clubhouses and surveyed program staff. Researchers also conducted an organizational survey and a quality assessment of the youth program. Lastly, they also reviewed the clubhouse websites, social media, and end-of-year events forms.