The ConnectKC app was tested during a pilot that occurred in the summer of 2023. The research team collaborated with specific OST opportunity providers to identify the activities and recruit the participating youth. The main OST providers were ProX, a local organization through which youths participate in 5-week paid summer internships and receive coaching, and ThrYve, which provides summer programming to youth and collaborates with other providers in the region (e.g., Boys and Girls Club, Young Women on the Move, etc.). ProX and ThrYve partners also helped recruit youths that participate in their programs. 

A total of 156 youths aged 14 – 20 years old were initially recruited and 102 eventually participated in the summer pilot that run between 6/5/2023 and 7/28/2023. 58.4% identified as females, 36.5% as males, and 5.1% as non-binary. In addition, the vast majority of the participating youths were black/African American (73.7%), 10.2% were white, 8% Hispanic, 5.8% Asian, and less than 1% native American. The youths are residents of Kansas City, KS or MO.

Downloadable reports: 

• Executive Summary 

• Full Report