Evaluation for Impact: Foundational Skills for Educators and Nonprofits

Are you looking for practical ways to assess and improve your programs? Do you want to demystify program evaluation and turn data into meaningful action? If this is you, please join us for an engaging, hands-on series designed to equip educators and nonprofit professionals with essential evaluations skills.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach, this series will walk you through the key steps of evaluation, giving you real-world tools you can use right away. If you are currently working on an evaluation or planning one, bring your questions and ideas – we’ll workshop them together!

Workshop location and length

Each workshop session runs for 2 ½ hours, with an optional additional ½ hour networking opportunity at the end to connect with fellow educators and nonprofit leaders. All sessions are from 9 – 11:30 AM (optional networking until 12:00 PM) and will take place at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office Building located at 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120.

Series 1 Workshop Session Lineup

📅 Session 1: Evaluation Made Simple – Understanding the Basics (March 20)

• What is program evaluation, and why does it matter?
• What does a successful evaluation process involve?
• How can you apply evaluation effectively in your school or nonprofit?

📅 Session 2: Your Blueprint for Impact – Building Effective Logic Models (April 17)

• How can a logic model help you clarify your program’s goals and provide direction for your evaluation efforts?
• What are the key components of an impactful logic model?
• How do you create a logic model that works for your program?

📅 Session 3: Data Demystified – Choosing the Right Collection Methods (May 8)

• What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative data?
• How do you choose the best data collection methods for your evaluation?
• What are the strengths and limitations of the various approaches?

Attend all three sessions or sign up individually! By the end of this series, you'll have the confidence and tools to evaluate your programs with clarity and purpose. Each session is $50, or save and sign up for all three for just $125!

What to Expect

✅ Hands-on activities and real-world examples
✅ Interactive discussions—bring your evaluation questions and ideas!

✅ Act 45 and Act 48 Credits Offered
✅ Light refreshments provided (bring your own beverages if preferred)
✅ Water bottle filling stations available and vending machines and K-cups available for purchase

*What’s Next?

📢 Series 2 (Fall 2025) – Mastering the Essentials

· Logic Model Power-Up – Take Yours to the Next Level (Group sharing and 1:1 Coaching)

· Survey Smarts – Craft Questions That Get Meaningful Responses

· Focus Groups That Work – Design, Facilitate & Analyze Like a Pro

📢 Series 3 (Spring 2026) – From Data to Action

· Wrangling Your Data – Simple Strategies for Organization & Analysis

· Storytelling with Data – Designing Reports to Engage & Inspire

· From Data to Decisions – Improving Outcomes, Winning Grants & Driving Change

Meet the Instructors:

Sheila Bell, MA, is the Program Director for the Evaluation, Grants, and Data Department at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, where she leads and manages the evaluation of several state and local programs, including Pennsylvania’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Migrant Education Program, and Educating Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program. With 25+ years of experience in government, nonprofit, and academic sectors, Sheila specializes in program evaluation and implementation, strategic planning, grant writing, and data analysis. In addition to her role at AIU, she is an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh, co-teaching a course in program evaluation.

Previously, Sheila served as Assistant Executive Deputy Director for Integrated Program Services at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, where she led cross-system initiatives and partnerships to improve service delivery. She has received several awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Duquesne University, where she earned a master's degree in Social and Public Policy and bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Political Science.

Falon Weidman, MPA, is a Senior Program Evaluator with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. She is the lead evaluator for several statewide and local programs, including the Pennsylvania 21st Century Learning Centers Program and the Migrant Education Program. With a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Falon brings extensive experience in mixed-methods program evaluation, GIS mapping, data visualization, and quantitative/qualitative analysis to her work. Her expertise spans both U.S. and international education and nonprofit sectors, with a special interest in rural development and environmental issues.

Falon’s diverse background also includes teaching experience in the Federated States of Micronesia, project coordination at the University of Pittsburgh’s Ford Institute for Human Security, and a leadership role managing a technology grant at the Saint Clairsville Public Library. She also volunteers as a soccer coach and mentor for refugee youth in Pittsburgh.

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