Lesson 6: Data Collection and Accountability

Powerhouse® is an evidence-based program, and each time it is delivered, there is an opportunity to learn and strengthen future delivery. Collecting meaningful information and feedback helps your organization understand who you are reaching, what young caregivers are gaining from their experience, and what is working well or may need to be adjusted. It also helps demonstrate the impact of Powerhouse® to partners and funders and supports informed decisions about future delivery.

What you learn locally also contributes to the bigger picture. By sharing key information with Young Caregivers Association (YCA), organizations delivering Powerhouse® help build a stronger understanding of how the program is reaching and supporting young caregivers across different communities.

Evaluation can help you learn at three levels:

  • Young caregivers — who you are reaching, what their experience was like, and what they gained from participating.
  • Facilitators and staff — what worked well during delivery, what they learned, and where additional resources or support may be helpful.
  • Your organization — what you are learning about your capacity to deliver Powerhouse®, what is working well, and what may help strengthen or sustain future delivery.

The goal is not to measure everything. This lesson will help you focus on useful and consistent information that supports your organization while contributing to the continued development of Powerhouse®.

Lesson 6 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Understand what Powerhouse® measures and why this information is important.
  • Identify what information to collect before, during, and after a Powerhouse® cycle.
  • Use quantitative and qualitative information to understand program reach, participant experience, and outcomes.
  • Gather meaningful feedback from young caregivers, families, and facilitators and use what you learn to strengthen future delivery.
  • Understand what information is shared with YCA and how it contributes to the continued learning and development of Powerhouse®.