In order to assess whether the Community Internship & Apprenticeship Program was achieving its main objectives, Ogallala Commons has just completed an evaluation covering the years from 2007-2014. The evaluation was conducted by Shelby Thibodeaux, OC Intern & Apprentice Program Coordinator. The primary tool for conducting the evaluation was an online Wufoo survey form, with additional responses gathered both through phone and face-to-face interviews, in addition to some responses through Facebook and email. In the end, there were 90 responses to the survey, 44% of the 208 total OC Intern and Apprentice alumni from 2007-2014.
The Program Evaluation indicated to Ogallala Commons that most of the interns in our program (79%) did their internship and apprenticeships in their hometown or region. Additionally, most respondents (71%) felt like they achieved the goals of their internships and apprenticeships. After successfully completing their internship or apprenticeship with Ogallala Commons, most alumni have returned to their hometown or region (69%). The evaluation also gave us more information about where our alumni are now, and where they want to be. The majority of alums who did their internships in their hometown or region have stayed there or have already returned, or have left and want to return.
This feedback demonstrates that Ogallala Commons is reaching its long term goal of helping youth to build a pathway to return to their communities or home region, after being a part of OC’s program. The information that was received from the survey provides positive affirmation regarding the growth of OC’s Intern and Apprentice Program over the years. Ogallala Commons began its Intern and Apprentice Program in 2007 with two interns. From 2007 to 2014, Ogallala Commons created 254 internships for 208 participants.
