Evaluation of the Black Colleges Local Capacity Building Models Program

摘要

Commissioned by HUD, this report describes the findings and conclusions of an evaluation of Positive Futures, Inc. (PFI), a consortium of nine black colleges and universities which established Local Capacity Building (LCB) programs designed to (1) utilize the resources and capabilities of the member institutions in supporting local government management needs, (2) build, aid, or improve the management capabilities of local communities, and (3) foster increased community involvement and participation in local affairs by providing the resources, training, and ongoing support necessary to improve the skills and expertise of the community. The major objectives of the study were (1) to define LCB at the participating PFI institutions, (2) to determine the methods, techniques, and approaches used by the institutions in pursuing LCB programs, (3) to determine how effective the institutions' programs were in increasing the management capability of local communities, (4) to assess the potential for transferability of the LCB concept to other communities and institutions. Site visits were undertaken at six of the PFI institutions, followed by analyses of interview data, program records, and other documentation. Among other things, it is concluded that the black college LCB program was successful in meeting its primary goal of increasing management capabilities within the local communities of four of the six institutions. The program was also found to be unusually cost effective and four institutions were effective in fostering meaningful relationships with the local governments. Further, the LCB program was found to strengthen the institutions' education effort and to contribute to the enchancement of their involvement in community life.