Evaluation Framework
How we measure what matters. A transparent, data-driven approach to tracking transformation across 8 life domains.
Evidence-Informed • Outcome-Driven • Third-Party VerifiedEvaluation Philosophy
We believe accountability and transparency are not burdens — they are competitive advantages. Every claim on this website can be verified.
Data-Driven
Every program decision is informed by quantitative and qualitative data. We track individual progress across all 8 life domains using our proprietary TSDOH™ assessment tool.
Transparent
Full financial transparency including budget breakdowns, SROI projections, and governance controls. We speak the language of institutional funders because we believe you deserve to see where every dollar goes.
Third-Party Verified
UMKC partnership for credit articulation and independent third-party program evaluation. External verification ensures our outcomes reporting meets academic and institutional standards.
Measurement Timeline
A continuous evaluation cycle that tracks participant transformation from enrollment through post-graduation mentorship.
Baseline Assessment
TSDOH™ intake assessment establishes individualized baseline scores across all 8 life domains. AI analysis identifies specific barriers ranked by urgency.
Mid-Point Check-In
6-month reassessment measures progress against baseline. Personalized pathways are adjusted based on domain-level improvements and emerging needs.
Capstone & Graduation
12-month comprehensive reassessment. Capstone project completion. Final domain scores compared against baseline to quantify total transformation.
Mentor & Multiply
Post-graduation tracking of sustained outcomes. Graduates who become mentors create a multiplier effect, extending impact into the next cohort.
2030 Outcome Targets
Measurable goals that drive every programmatic decision and guide resource allocation.
Individuals who complete the full 29-course, 8-domain curriculum
Graduates maintaining stable housing 12 months post-completion
Graduates employed or self-employed within 12 months of graduation
Graduates who become mentors, multiplying community impact
Domain-Level Metrics
Each of the 8 life domains has defined baseline indicators, intervention activities, and measurable outcomes.
| Domain | Courses | Kansas City Baseline | Primary Outcome Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Housing Stability™ | 4 courses (19 hrs) | 76% of extremely low-income severely housing burdened | Stable housing maintained at 12 months |
| 💚 Health & Wellness™ | 4 courses (17 hrs) | 18-year life expectancy gap between KC zip codes | Healthcare access and wellness score improvement |
| 💰 Economic Mobility™ | 5 courses (24 hrs) | 10:1 wealth ratio (White to Black households) | $10K+ income increase within 12 months |
| 🎓 Education™ | 5 courses (23 hrs) | 45.4% 3rd-grade reading proficiency (vs 85% target) | Credential or certification attainment |
| 💻 Technology & AI™ | 3 courses (14 hrs) | 31% of low-income KS households without broadband | Digital literacy and AI readiness score |
| 🏛 Civic Engagement™ | 3 courses (14 hrs) | 38.3% youth voter turnout (widest age gap in nation) | Civic participation and advocacy actions |
| 🌱 Environment™ | 2 courses (8 hrs) | 22-year lifespan gap due to environmental pollution | Environmental health awareness and action |
| 💡 Purpose & Community™ | 2 courses (8 hrs) | Kansas ranks 51st in mental health prevalence + access | Mentorship activation and community leadership |
Data Collection Methods
Multiple data streams ensure comprehensive measurement at individual, cohort, and community levels.
Individual-Level Tracking
TSDOH™ Assessment: 20-minute AI-powered intake questionnaire covering all 8 life domains
Progress Dashboards: Real-time tracking of course completion, domain scores, and milestone achievement
Reassessment Protocol: Standardized 6-month and 12-month follow-up assessments
Post-Graduation Surveys: Annual follow-up tracking sustained outcomes and mentorship activity
Cohort & Program-Level Data
Enrollment & Completion Rates: Tracking retention, graduation, and drop-off points by domain
Employment & Income Data: Pre/post employment status, wage changes, and career advancement
Housing Stability Records: Housing status at intake, graduation, and annual follow-up
Community Partner Reports: Referral outcomes and service utilization data from partner organizations
Financial & Impact Accounting
Cost-Per-Outcome: Calculated cost per graduate, per housing placement, per job secured
SROI Analysis: Annual social return on investment calculation with itemized value creation
Prevention Value: Cost avoidance calculations for homelessness, incarceration, and emergency services
QuickBooks Audit Trail: Full financial transparency with segregation of duties and board oversight
External Validation
UMKC Third-Party Evaluation: Independent program evaluation through university research partnership
Public Data Sources: KC-specific statistics sourced from NLIHC, Census Bureau, Brookings, and KC CHIP
GuideStar/Candid Profile: Organizational transparency through the leading nonprofit verification platform
Annual Reporting: Published impact reports with verified data available to all stakeholders
Social Return on Investment
Our SROI methodology quantifies the social, economic, and community value created by every dollar invested.
$4.17 in social value created for every $1 invested
One-time investment per participant for the full 29-course, 135-hour program
Annual public cost per chronically homeless individual — 7x the Academy investment
Annual cost per incarcerated person — prevention is 86% less expensive than crisis
Accountability Structure
Multiple layers of oversight ensure program integrity, financial transparency, and outcome accuracy.
Board Governance
Board of Directors provides strategic oversight with fiduciary responsibility. Board approval required for expenditures exceeding $5,000. Annual conflict of interest disclosure by all board members and staff.
Governance Controls ActiveFinancial Controls
Dedicated nonprofit account with dual signature requirement. QuickBooks nonprofit accounting with full audit trail. Segregation of duties across receipts, disbursements, and reconciliation. 7-year document retention policy.
Dual Signature RequiredAcademic Partnership
University of Missouri – Kansas City provides independent third-party program evaluation and credit articulation for Academy courses. External validation ensures outcomes data meets research-grade standards.
UMKC VerifiedWe measure transformation.
We prove impact.
We welcome scrutiny.
Zip Codes Don't Determine Destinies™