Out-of-School Time Impact Report

Jan 19

Montgomery County Recreation Department

The Context

In 2022, the Montgomery County Recreation Department asked Sharp Insight to help make sense of several years’ worth of data on its out of school time programs. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff had been stretched thin, leaving little time to dig into the data, connect it to current research, or clearly communicate the program’s impact on children, youth, and families.

Our Approach

We centered the work around our values, specifically those of strong partnerships, equitable evaluation, and meaningful results. We partnered closely with department leaders and staff to collaboratively design and conduct a custom data analysis project that would produce clear, meaningful insights. The department provided Sharp Insight with years worth of program data to analyze. Our work focused on understanding the Recreation Department’s impact across the community — from children and teens to young adults and families. We analyzed the data, identified key themes, and connected their findings to the literature, highlighting the department’s reach and contributions across diverse communities.

The Result

Based on the findings, we created a 13-page Out of School Time Impact Report for the public. Featuring participant quotes, compelling data visuals, photos, and key takeaways, the report clearly demonstrated how the program helped kids make gains in academics and social skills, while providing wraparound support to their families. It also illuminated broader community benefits, including job creation, economic opportunities, and stronger connections with local leaders.