Support Amanda's Journey to the 2024 Evaluation Conference

Hi everyone,

I'm thrilled to share that I've been given a unique opportunity to present at the 2024 Evaluation Conference in Portland, OR, this October! As part of a paper on Program Evaluation, I’ll be joining my colleagues and professor to showcase our work on this prestigious platform.

Program evaluation is a systematic process used to assess the design, implementation, and effectiveness of a program. It involves collecting and analyzing data to determine whether a program is achieving its goals, how it can be improved, and what impact it's having on the target population. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth, program evaluation helps organizations make informed decisions, improve services, and achieve better outcomes.

For the foster care agency I currently work for, program evaluation can provide insights into how well the agency is meeting the needs of foster children and families. It can help identify which services are most effective, highlight areas that need improvement, and ensure that resources are being used efficiently. This ultimately leads to enhanced support for foster children, better outcomes for families, and stronger advocacy efforts.

Other organizations, especially those in social services, can benefit from program evaluation by gaining a clear understanding of their program's impact, making data-driven decisions, and demonstrating their effectiveness to funders and stakeholders. This process not only improves service delivery but also helps build credibility and support for continued funding and growth.

This conference is a chance for us to share valuable insights, learn from other experts, and grow in our professional journeys. However, attending and presenting at this event comes with expenses such as travel, lodging, and other small expenses.

I'm reaching out for your support to help me make this opportunity a reality, as this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since I have now graduated, this is not an endeavor that is being covered by the University, so I am seeking your help! Any donation, big or small, will bring me one step closer to presenting our paper and representing our hard work!

Thank you so much for considering contributing to this journey! Your support means the world to me.

Best,

Amanda Smith