Innovative Project Abstract (Please Describe)

WELD INNOVATIVE PROJECT

Participant Name:_Jayme Grzebik_____State__Hawaii___

Innovative Project Abstract (Please describe)

I have begun to formulate an evaluation tool to assess program participants (MG volunteers) and the impact that the program has on their knowledge, volunteer time and impact on environmentally sound decisions in the home or small-scale garden. Once the questions are polished, the survey will be inputted into Survey Monkey. My mentor, Dr. Chris Collins will be helping to analyze the data once collected. I’ve attached the first draft of the survey questions.

Gaining the essential tools for evaluation of existing programs will propel my professional growth by creating the most effective programming for the dissemination of sustainable research based tropical gardening information. I have secured mentors for this project that can contribute knowledge to this evaluation. And I will gain confidence that existing programming meets the needs and goals of the college and confidence that additional programming will be created based on current assessment of needs.

What are your anticipated project outcomes?

I anticipate producing an evaluation tool that can be utilized by our Statewide UH Master Gardener program to evaluate the impact. I also anticipate that a journal article could be produced to share the evaluation procedures and outcomes.

Leadership Inventory-Indicate your perception of your most significant strengths and opportunities to improve your leadership capabilities to excel with your project.

Strengths

With my background in qualitative research through a dynamic Master’s thesis, where I interviewed participants of a children’s gardening program, I am familiar with engaging program participants to extract impacts, strengths and weaknesses in programming. I can be confident that when I produce a quantitative survey, that the questions at hand will be driven by the current situation and not modified as to what I presume.

Improvements

I have lacked the knowledge and experience of quantitative evaluation. However, my position requires me to produce numbers and I need the ability to share this with my administrators and to utilize the results to shape future programming, or even potential grant opportunities. Learning Plan-Indicate your preliminary plans to utilize strengths and address growth opportunities outside your organized WELD activities that together assist in accomplishing goals of the Innovative Project.

Evaluation skills will propel the UH Master Gardener program to the next level to produce innovative programming in Urban Horticulture in Hawaii, an area that is in great demand among our local community. This project will also set me in a position of leadership among my fellow colleagues with Master Gardener program responsibilities, where I will be able to show leadership in development of new programming that will be concise and rewarding throughout the state.

Mentor Candidates-What are some specialized skills, interest, or experiences that you seek in one or more mentors to assist in your progress? Are there any likely candidates that you will consider?

Mentor Characteristics

Dr. Sylvia Yuen is the authority on the college’s direction and goals. Her guidance to prepare and evaluate questions will ensure that we are extracting useable information to further align the Master Gardener program with the goals of CTAHR. She has intimate knowledge of the UH Master Gardener program and has invested time in its success.

Dr. Evensen is also an authority to the college’s direction and goals and the opportunities that Cooperative Extension creates in our local community. His input can mold this evaluation into everything that CTAHR needs from it. He has also invested time and committed to its success.

Dr. Chris Collins has assisting me to form the questions based on what type of information that is needed. He is very knowledgeable of evaluation tools and techniques.

Secured Mentors

Dr. Sylvia Yuen, Interim Dean of College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

University of Hawaii at Manoa Assessment Office

Dr. Carl Evensen, Interim Associate Dean of College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

& Director of UH CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service

Dr. Chris Collins, UH College of Education, Department of Educational Administration, Assistant Professor