Why does Hope Squad collect data?

Hope Squad collects data to understand whether the program is working as intended, where schools may need additional support, and what impact the program is having over time.

Evaluation helps Hope Squad and participating schools:

• Measure changes in areas such as help-seeking, referral confidence, peer support, gatekeeper preparedness, connectedness, and student well-being.
• Understand how effectively the program is being implemented.
• Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support school improvement, grant reporting, funding requests, and long-term sustainability.
• Compare local results with broader Hope Squad trends and benchmarks.
• Strengthen Hope Squad’s evidence base and guide future program improvements.

Data collection is not simply about proving that the program works. It is part of a continuous improvement process that helps schools make informed decisions and helps Hope Squad continue improving the program for students, families, and school communities.