Program Evaluation - Generations United

Evaluation doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply a way to see if your program is helping people connect, learn, and grow together. Even small steps can make a big difference.

Here are 7 steps to help you get started with evaluation.

1. Start with One Goal

Ask yourself: “What difference do I want my program to make?”

Examples:

Help participants feel more connected to people of other generations
Build new skills or confidence for youth or older adults
Reduce loneliness or isolation

Learn more: Connecting Generations Toolkit – Clarifying Goals (Page 19)

2. Ask One Simple Question

Pick a single thing you want to know right now, such as:

Did participants enjoy today’s activity?
Did people interact with participants of other ages?
Did participants want to come back?

Ideas for tools: Intergenerational Evaluation Toolkit (Page 26)

3. Collect Easy-to-Use Data

You don’t need surveys or research experience. Try:

One-question feedback forms
Staff or volunteer observations (“Who talked with someone of a different generation?”)
Participant stories or reflections (“Tell us one thing you liked today”)

Tip: Start small. You can always add more later.

4. Look at Relationships, Not Just Attendance

The goal is meaningful connection. Ask:

Are participants forming friendships or bonds?
Are people feeling more included or less lonely?

Tip: Even brief conversations and smiles count.

5. Check the Environment

If your program happens in a shared site, notice:

Does the space make it easy for people to meet and talk?
Are there informal places to interact and gather, not just structured activities?
Are the departments/organizations running the program working together smoothly?

Learn more: Sharing Our Space Toolkit Section 8: Evaluating

6. Reflect and Make Small Improvements

After each session or week:

What worked well?
What could be better next time?
What can we change in the activity, the space, or our schedule to help people connect more?

Use existing tools to guide reflection: Intergenerational Practice Evaluation Tool

7. Partner Up for Bigger Evaluations

You can evaluate on your own, but:

Local universities, schools, or volunteer organizations can help collect more data.
Small grants or community foundations may fund more in-depth evaluation.
Starting small and tracking a few simple outcomes now will help you show success when seeking support later.

Quick Tips for Practitioners

Start with one goal and one question.
Observe how people interact — attendance numbers alone don’t tell the story.
Collect photos, videos, short stories, or quotes from participants.
Use ready-made tools from Generations United.
Reflect often and adjust as you go — evaluation is about learning, not perfection.

Key Resources

Bottom Line

Even small, simple evaluation steps will help you see if your program is helping generations connect. Focus on relationships, meaningful interactions, and small reflections, and build over time.

Intergenerational Program Roadmap:

Your guide to building strong, sustainable intergenerational programs that connect generations and strengthen communities.