Language Program Shows Improved Student Communication and Confidence
LEAP (Language Empowers All People) developed the Language for Scholars (LFS) program to improve and strengthen the everyday communication skills of teens and young adults so they can succeed in the classroom and in their personal and professional lives. LFS gives Black and Brown students the tools to express themselves clearly across different settings and audiences while maintaining their sense of self and cultural identity. Chapin Hall partnered with LEAP to develop a Theory of Change and evaluate the program, supported by a capacity-building grant from the Cook County Justice Advisory Council.
What We Did
Chapin Hall conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of a cohort of LFS participants at two Chicago high schools in 2025. The evaluation team collaborated with LEAP staff to develop a pre- and postprogram student survey and an interview guide that reflected the program’s Theory of Change. Thirty students completed both surveys, and three participated in follow-up interviews. All students were in their junior year of high school and all identified as Hispanic or Latino/a (73%), Black (7%), or multiracial (20%).
What We Found
- Students reported significant growth in confidence communicating, comfort with their authentic voice, and the value they placed on communication after completing the program.
- After the program, 87% of students agreed that they felt confident and like their true selves when communicating in different situations (up from 60% before the program).
- More than half of survey respondents reported improvements in nonverbal communication skills (like body language, eye contact, and posture) as well as verbal skills (such as projection, volume, and using fewer filler words).
- Boys showed significantly greater growth than girls in how much they valued communication over the course of the program.
- Students said the most helpful program activities were mock presentations and receiving facilitator feedback. After the program, 97% of those surveyed said that they would recommend the program to peers.
What It Means
Language for Scholars builds communication skills, confidence, and a stronger sense of authentic voice for students who often lack opportunities to develop these capacities. High levels of student satisfaction and strong correlations between perceived program helpfulness and gains across all three outcome areas suggest that this program is well-designed and meaningful to participants. With stronger communication skills and confidence in using their authentic voice, the students in this program are better prepared to be self-sufficient, do well in school, and achieve their long-term personal and professional goals.
Chapin Hall brings deep expertise in partnering with community-based organizations to build their capacity to evaluate and improve their programs. Our researchers collaborate closely with program staff, participants, and community partners to design evaluations that are rigorous, equity-centered, and actionable. To learn more about this research or explore how we can support your program evaluation, contact Tiffany Burkhardt.
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