Why I am Best Suited to Independent Research

¶ … Qualifications/Personnel Why I Am Best Suited to do This Project. I have a PhD in scientific research and have spent more than 30 years as government employee for testing and evaluating the efficacy of federal, state, and local companies. As an outside consultant - namely not connected to the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) in any personal manner - my input and observations will also provide greater objectivity in the results of the analysis, which is advantageous to the organization.

In addition to simply having a more assured knowledge of the efficacy of the many programs that are operated by the CDF, the greater objectivity of an outside consultant will be more compelling to many donors and potential donors, likely leading to increased revenue for the non-profit organization. Agencies Funding my Research As an independent researcher, there will be no one assisting me in key staff and/or consultant positions.

Cooperating agencies who are funding my research include the Asian-American Justice Center (AAJC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) who have recently partnered to urge Congress to realize America's promise of covering all children for health care coverage. Since CDF promotes itself as presenting "A strong, effective voice for all the children of America," the aforementioned coalition wishes to ensure that it is making good on its promise.

I am also affiliated with the American Educational research Association (AERA) that is "concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and evaluation" (http://www.aera.net/AboutAERA.htm). and, finally, I receive generous and whole-hearted support from the American Jail Association (AJA) that is deeply interested in the procedures and ramifications of CDF's Cradle to Prison Pipeline program.

The AJA has been the only national, non-profit association that supports those who work in the nation's 3,200 plus jail facilities, as well as serving as advocate and voice for jail services and programs. Since minorities (primarily Latinos and Blacks) are over represented in the jail's juvenile population, and since the CDF recognizes this fact and attempts to address it with its Cradle to Prison Pipeline program, the AJA is interested in its contents and effectiveness. Organizational Details of Research The study will fall into various parts: a.

Direct observation of the CDF Freedom Schools program, where I will assess their affect-school enrichment programs. b. Surveys and focus groups on a minimum sample of 50 participants who attend the Youth Leadership Network for Children (YLNC). The YLNC is distributed into the following divisions: CDF Internship program, the Beat the Odds® Scholarship program, CDF Freedom Schools program, and the Young Adult Leadership Training (YALT®) program. All will be assessed. c.

Active participation in community summits and other meetings that CDF holds to develop action plans for their Cradle to Prison Pipeline program. d. Random sampling survey of targeted.