BOLD STEPS program evaluation

Abstract

This paper details the evaluation of Building Opportunities through Leadership Development (BOLD) STEPS, a STEM-focused leadership development program for young women that launched in the summer of 2018. The evaluator and program directors identified five evaluation questions: what was the perceived value of the program and activities, to what extent do participants gain knowledge of leadership skills, to what extent do participants gain confidence in their leadership ability, how do participants perceive women in leadership, and how do participants perceive leadership roles? These questions were assessed using surveys and phone interviews. Analysis of the resulting data revealed the most and least valued program activities, as well as potential areas for improvement. Furthermore, participants on average had growthoriented leadership mindsets, perceived women to be strong leaders, and recognized that everyone has the potential for leadership in their current role. Participants also had high levels of confidence in their leadership ability, which increased significantly over the course of the program. Given BOLD STEP's overall success and alignment with best practices, the evaluator recommends maintaining the core components while making slight adjustments to decrease fatigue and increase the applicability of program activities.