Program quality instrument for youth (PQI-youth): validation of a brief, self-report measure

How do you capture youth voices when evaluating youth programs? Currently, there is no gold standard youth-report survey. This study assesses the validity of the revised Program Quality Instrument for Youth (PQI-Youth) to capture youth experiences. Participants included 511 demographically diverse youth from eight Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk programs nationwide. Participants completed the revised PQI-Youth, Child and Youth Resilience Measure and Every Day Living Life Skills Instrument. Exploratory factor analysis using parallel analysis identified six factors, explaining 56% of variance. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated youth’s program quality rating was associated with life skill and resilience increases. The final 21-item survey measures Eccles & Gootman components of program quality, including Supportive Relationships, Opportunities to Belong, Skill-building & Efficacy, Community & Family Integration, Positive Norms, and Structure & Safety. The full scale or subscales can record youth voices and use their perspectives to guide program design and improvement.