The first step of our process is meeting with the partner to begin building the relationship and to develop a deep understanding of their perspectives, needs and priorities. Based on these initial meetings, our staff draft a program proposal that includes the vision of success, goals, deliverables, timeline and budget. We review and discuss the proposal with the partner to ensure full alignment before finalizing a contract.

To understand participants’ needs and to measure the impact of the training program on their learning, re:power conducts a wrap-around assessment at three different points─before the program begins, at the midpoint of the program, and after the program concludes. The assessments are carried out using surveys and interviews, with questions remaining consistent over time to allow for data comparability.

Our program design process is grounded in the assessment results, which allow us to customize the curriculum so that it speaks to the lived experiences, needs and capabilities of participants. We also believe that, beyond the curriculum, the choices of who teaches at the front of the room and how the training space is structured can impact participant learning and growth. To that end, we make intentional choices about the composition of the training team and the type of learning environment we want to create.

Once the curriculum and the training team are finalized, we pilot the first phase of the training program which includes a train-the-trainer, the training itself, and any post-training activities such as debriefs with the training team, follow-ups with participants and logistical wrap-up.

While mechanisms for feedback are woven throughout the program, we build in time to formally evaluate the pilot so that we can discern the program’s strengths and areas of improvement and make strategic pivots where needed. Based on the assessments, as well as verbal and written evaluations from participants and trainers, we revise and improve upon the overall design and delivery of the training.

Once re:power and the partner are satisfied with the evaluation and subsequent revisions, we iterate on the process by launching the next phase of the training program, and then we evaluate and revise once more. With each iteration, we have the opportunity to experiment and to learn from adding on a new approach such as recruiting former participants to become trainers or growing the program in size and frequency.

We want to ensure that our programs continue to grow and thrive long after the partnership. To that end, we provide clear recommendations on how to scale our programs so that they can be used in the future.