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Evaluation Reports

Developing Sustainable Summer Outreach Initiatives: Lessons from the Cyberchase Summer Challenge - FULL STUDY

November 1, 2010 | Media and Technology, Public Programs
The 2010 Cyberchase Summer Challenge Outreach initiative was designed to allow local public television stations to develop community-appropriate outreach plans as part of a unique summer launch of a new season of shows for a PBS children's television program. The Cyberchase Summer Challenge was a national initiative; eight stations were selected for a pilot study of best practices related to summer programming. Grantee stations were provided modest funding and material support. RMC's evaluation focused on understanding how public television stations and their outreach partners can build sustainable, replicable outreach models; the nature of PBS partner relations across a sampling of large and small communities; how outreach programs are designed and implemented; and opportunities for fundraising and advertising. The evaluation examined how stations and their community partners created a successful rollout that was cost-effective, involved a great number of children and was promoted well. Cyberchase is the Emmy Award-winning mathematics series and website on PBS KIDS GO! using broadcast, web, new media and educational outreach to impact millions nationwide. Designed for children ages 8 to 11 and packed with mystery, humor, and action, Cyberchase's mission is to improve kids' problem-solving and math skills, and inspire them with confidence and enthusiasm toward math. The TV series airs daily on PBS KIDS GO! across the country, and the website (pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase) offers over 100 math games and activities for kids, video streaming of full episodes and clips, and a Parents & Teachers site with lesson plans, activities and tips for adults. Cyberchase reaches across platforms with apps for the SMART Board and iPhone. The traveling bilingual museum exhibit, Cyberchase: The Chase Is On!, continues to tour the country and is permanently installed at the Children's Museum of Houston.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Alice Apley
    Evaluator
    RMC Research Corporation
  • Wendy Graham
    Evaluator
    RMC Research Corporation
  • Elizabeth Goldman
    Evaluator
    RMC Research Corporation
  • Thirteen/WNET New York
    Contributor
  • Citation

    Funders

    NSF
    Funding Program: ISE/AISL
    Award Number: 0840274
    Funding Amount: 1500000
    Resource Type: Summative
    Discipline: Education and learning science | Mathematics
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media | Public Programs | Summer and Extended Camps | Community Outreach Programs

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