Greater Richmond Youth Program Quality Improvement (RichmondYPQI)

RichmondYPQI is a continuous improvement process of Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs.  Using the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) research-based model, and managed by the The Forum For Youth Investment, RichmondYPQI helps youth programs set meaningful improvement goals based on date, enact new practices, and create enriching and empowering environments for youth.  The YPQI approach moves beyond one-off professional development training, to building a supportive system for continuous improvement that is located at the youth program site.  YPQI is built on a three-part sequence that begins with external and internal assessments of existing strengths and areas to address.  During the planning phase, areas to address are added to an improvement plan as goals, with clear steps and benchmarks for success.  During the improvement phase, YPQI staff provide one-to-one coaching and training to help programs meet their goals.  Programs generally participate in YPQI for multiple years.

Quality Assessments

High quality assessments for programs to help them identify strengths and weaknesses

Improvement Plans

Evidence-based improvement plans that create a path for programs to address growth areas.

Coaching

Individualized and peer reviewed coaching to help staff execute on their improvement plan. 

Training

Training for youth workers and program managers in Social Emotional Awareness and Youth Methods Workshops.

Contact us

Housed at the Mary and Frances Youth Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Division of Community Engagement, the Greater Richmond Youth Development Network the regional network and training calendar and RichmondYPQI is managed by Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland. Contact garlandvw@vcu.edu for more information.