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We are delighted to report that SEED is now serving 100 youth development agencies across the State of Illinois. 

This work is enabling SEED to demonstrate the validity of (1) the SEED Diagnostic alone; (2) the Diagnostic repeated at six-month intervals; and (3) the added value of following the SEED Diagnostic with monthly tracking and coaching, via the Six-Month Stretch. 

For 35 youth organizations using the SEED Diagnostic alone, we will see the difference in their work as a result of a one-time, 3-hour performance monitoring assessment.  For 35 organizations completing a second-round assessment process, conducted 6-9 months after the initial application, we will establish the value-added in using the Diagnostic as a tool for periodic shared reflection, performance monitoring and priority-setting.  Additionally, SEED is working intensively with 20 Project sites using SEED’s Six-Month Stretch framework.  This will demonstrate how a more intensive coaching and tracking model can help programs infuse creativity and accountability into their work, and dramatically increase performance within as short a period as six-months.

Assuming our sponsor finds the results of these parallel demonstrations of high utility, we will engage in discussions to expand one or more of these approaches to other issue areas.  With appropriate and targeted expansion in this initial issue area, significant increases in performance can become widespread across the Illinois youth development network.  We anticipate this will be an excellent model from which to establish similar contracts in other states, as well.

Summary of Benefits to the Sponsoring Grant-maker  

The benefits to the IL Department of Human Services will include (1) clarity regarding what is working and not working within a significant sample of youth programs funded statewide and deeper understanding of training and technical assistance that can be applied to empower better results, (2) demonstration of value in repeated application of the SEED Diagnostic performance scoring system, across a broad cross-section of state-funded programs; (3) demonstration of value in the ongoing coaching and supports provided by the Six-Month Stretch, and 4) comparative analysis at different levels of intervention from which to determine future offerings.

Summary of Benefits to Participants

By end of contract, youth programs completing their follow-up SEED Diagnostic will each have gained:

1. Deeper practice engaging their core teams in comprehensive performance monitoring that provides clear indicators of current outcome performance and opportunities to realize more of their impact potential,
2. Ability to report results and justify quantifiable improvements using state-of-the-art, composite performance metrics:  the Impact Quotient, Vision Score, Teamwork Score and System Boost Score, derived from 114 outcome and practice scores, and
3. A suggested set of prioritized action items for improved performance in the next cycle. 

The youth programs engaged in the Six-Month Stretch will gain: 

1. Coaching, new Insights and improved collaboration practices with expanded teams in creative  planning, monitoring and assessment;
2. Better alignment of daily work with vision;
3. More meaningful performance improvements in six-month cycles, and  
4. Narrative and quantitative evidence of progress. 

Please join us in following the progress of this exciting initiative!  If you’d like to be kept abreast of this work in particular, you can let us know by writing:  Diagnostic@seed-ny.org