This week I led the 8th season of CCE Program Development Leadership Cohort kickoffs. We had 17 incredible staff members participate from all corners of NYS and we had campus partners involved as well – which was fabulous!
I will be asking cohort members to reflect on their learnings and share here, as I think this is a great way to learn from each other. Below is our first submission from Jennifer Coe, CCE Franklin 4-H Camp Overlook Team Leader (thank you Jennifer!!).
As we embark on new initiatives and strive to expand our impact across New York, the initial planning phase is absolutely critical. It’s where our vision takes shape, our goals are defined, and the very foundation of our program is laid. To ensure these foundations are strong and our efforts are efficient and effective, embracing a program development model isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a necessity.
Think of a program development model as your path through the woods, all the tools you might use to guide your way, and the trail markers you see along the way. If you lose your way, you have those tools to back you up and encourage you back on path. Once you know the trail, it is much easier to follow the next time. (PS- I’m a camp director!) It provides a step-by-step framework, guiding you through the essential stages of creating and implementing a new program. Without this roadmap, we risk getting lost in the details, overlooking crucial steps, and ultimately, hindering our ability to deliver impactful outcomes for the communities we serve.
So, why is this structured approach so vital? Let’s explore some key benefits:
Clarity and Focus: A well-defined model helps us to clearly articulate the program’s purpose, target audience, and desired outcomes right from the start. This shared understanding ensures everyone on the team is on the same page, minimizing confusion and maximizing focused effort.
Systematic Planning: Program development models break down the complex process of creation into manageable steps. From needs assessment and resource identification to implementation and evaluation, each stage is thoughtfully considered and addressed. This systematic approach reduces the likelihood of overlooking critical elements and helps us anticipate potential challenges.
Efficient Resource Allocation: By outlining the necessary steps and anticipated resources early on, a program development model enables us to allocate our time, budget, and personnel more effectively. This proactive approach helps prevent resource strain and ensures we’re utilizing our assets wisely. Consider resources close to your organization as well in adjacent programs seeking out new ideas and avoiding duplication of services.
Enhanced Collaboration: A structured model fosters better communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders. With clear roles and responsibilities defined within the framework, everyone understands their contribution and how their work fits into the larger picture.
Improved Evaluation and Sustainability: Many program development models incorporate evaluation as an ongoing process, not just an afterthought. This allows us to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately build more sustainable and impactful programs. By embedding evaluation from the outset, we can gather valuable data to demonstrate our effectiveness to funders and the community.
Adaptability and Innovation: While providing structure, a good program development model also allows for flexibility and adaptation. As we learn and grow, the model can help us refine our approach and incorporate innovative strategies to better meet the evolving needs of our communities.
In essence, utilizing a program development model empowers us to move beyond a hurried planning and embrace a more strategic and intentional approach. It’s about working smarter, not just harder, to create programs that are robust, impactful, and truly make a difference.
As you embark on your next program development journey, I encourage you to explore the various models available – whether it’s the ADDIE model, Logic Model, Dick & Carey, or others – and find the one that best suits your program’s needs and context. Let’s leverage these frameworks to ensure our collective efforts to continue to thrive and create meaningful change.
Let’s build strong programs together!
For more information about the practice of program development and models to help you make sense of it all, visit: https://staff.cce.cornell.edu/courses/ccepdc-101/program-development-concepts-and-models
Jennifer Coe is the 4-H Camp Overlook Team Leader from CCE Franklin County.