stock image of a graphic magnifying glass looking into a crowd of digital people

Artists Mentoring Against Racism, Drugs, & Violence (AMARD&V) Evaluation

Innovative, Bilingual, Arts-based Violence Prevention Program

The Artists Mentoring Against Racism, Drugs, & Violence (AMARD&V) Evaluation is an innovative, bilingual, arts-based violence prevention program for local New Brunswick youth. Designed as a five-week summer program, participants learn different types of art, including theater, dance, printmaking, and visual arts. Additionally, campers participate in various workshops about healthy relationships, self-esteem, resiliency, and empathy. To assess the impact of the AMARD&V program on its participants’ attitudes and behaviors, REV conducts an evaluation each year to explore a range of topics.

Key Activities

Data Collection

A variety of perspectives were assessed in developing a comprehensive program evaluation. These methods included 1) a post-test youth survey in paper- and-pencil format distributed in person during the last week of the program; 2) a post-test online survey for artists and counselors distributed via email during the last week of the program; 3) researcher conducted observations of art sessions occurring both first and last weeks of the program. Data collection takes place each summer and concludes in August.

Evaluation

Data collection for Summer 2024 was concluded at the beginning of August. Data was cleaned and analyzed in the Fall of 2024. In December 2024, the finalized program evaluation will be sent to AMARD&V administrators. In early February 2025, REV will present the data to AMARD&V administrators.

Stock photos of three female presenting people smiling and looking at purple folders

Future

In late Spring 2025, we will have conversations with the AMARD&V administrators and start planning the AMARD&V 2025 summer program evaluation methods. Then, we will submit the IRB protocol and other required materials that will enable us to conduct the evaluation of the program later in July and August 2025.

Team

- Chiara Sabina, Ph.D. : Principal Investigator (PI)/Project Coordinator, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- Sara Thomas, M.Ed. LMSW: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- Enoch Amponsah, MSc, ABD: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- Maria Alejandra Guevara-Carpio: Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- Sarah McMahon, Ph.D.: Advisor, Center for Research on Ending Violence

Reports from our Work

2022 Final Program Evaluation

The evaluation was based on AMARD&V summer program goals of developing in all youth participants: 1) an appreciation of art; 2) a capacity for teamwork and getting along with others; 3) self-esteem; 4) a sense of cultural pride and appreciation for diversity; 5) a feeling of purpose and hopefulness for the future; 6) leadership skills, communication skills, and an interest in advocacy and social justice; and 7) a sense that AMARD&V program as providing a supportive learning environment.

View Report