Researchers drew on five data sources. They were:

• Visits to clubs
• Surveys of YAI staff members
• Student participation and biographic data
• Attendance data
• An annual survey of BGCA students that analyzed their experiences.

Additionally, when they visited clubs, the researchers observed classes, conducted focus groups, gave out their own student surveys, and interviewed teaching artists, BCGA leaders, community partners, club managers, and others.

This report examined a 2014 pilot program implemented  by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and funded by Wallace across three sites: Central Minnesota, Greater Milwaukee, and Wisconsin’s Greater Green Bay.  The three clubs had 1,280 students enrolled in YAI, and the majority of students were low-income, female, and students of color.

YAI offered two types of classes: exposure and skill development.  Skill development classes had mandatory attendance and culminated in a final-year arts showcase.