Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Instructor/Advisor
Dr. Melissa Nemon & Dr. Audrey Falk
Abstract
This capstone project evaluates the impact of the Wellness Workshop Series, a collaboration between Serving Stars and the Merrimack Valley Area Health Education Center (MV-AHEC). The series was designed for middle school students from the under-resourced community of Lawrence, MA, and it aimed to improve students' knowledge of nutrition and fitness habits and confidence in making informed healthy choices. The current literature highlights the significant aspects of after-school programs, as they can address systemic inequities in education and health. Using a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation examined the pre- and post-survey data collected by MV-AHEC. There were 11 survey questions on nutrition and fitness, an observation log for each workshop, and student responses to an open-ended question. The data analysis used the pre- and post-survey results to assess knowledge gains, behavioral shifts, and learning takeaways by calculating the percentage changes in knowledge and confidence. The workshop observations were grouped and systematized to recognize any shifts in student participation, engagement, and focus. The workshops significantly increased nutritional knowledge, with a more moderate increase in fitness knowledge. Knowledge about calorie intake and nutrition labels also increased significantly. Observation logs and student feedback showed high engagement, curiosity, and the ability to apply new knowledge in real-life contexts. This program evaluation shows the effectiveness of the Wellness Workshop Series, thus demonstrating the value of community-led health programs in after-school settings.
Recommended Citation
Goodman, Moira, "The Impact of the Wellness Workshop Series on Middle School Students from an Under- Resourced Community" (2025). Community Engagement Student Work. 127.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/127