Theory of Change

A theory of change statement clearly articulates what a program aims to achieve. Our theory of change helps us stay focused and true to what we are trying to accomplish with our kids while they are in elementary school while also articulating the link between our short-term outcomes with the long-term impact of our work.

When at-risk elementary aged children:

• Form healthy relationships with adult mentors who model social emotional skills in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment;
• Are effectively taught skills addressing five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and positive relationships

The following outcomes will be achieved:

• Strong social emotional skills
• Improved classroom behavior
• Reduced chronic absenteeism

Which contributes to this long-term impact:

When children have strong social emotional skills, positive behavior, and attend school regularly they are more likely to behave better and become more attached to middle school which creates a future hope and expectation of high school graduation.

Impact on Part-Time Staff

In addition, when college students serve as WINGS Leaders for a year or more, they develop and deepen their own social and emotional skills while building meaningful relationships with kids and healthy relationships with peers leading to the utilization of these skills to gain success professionally as educators, youth leaders, and business leaders and success personally as partners, parents, and mentors.