Feasibility Checklist

The set of questions below is designed to help you identify factors that you might consider when selecting a research-based program for your school. You can use this list to begin assessing your school's capacity to implement a given program.* For example, if a program of interest costs $10,000 to implement for a year, and your annual budget is only $3,000, you may want to consider another program.

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Feasibility Checklist PDF (28K) | Word (36K)

Resources

• How much does it cost?

• What are the time requirements?

• Does it require staff training?

• Do we have access to the target population?

• How much space will we need?

• Do we have the necessary equipment?

• Can we access program materials?

• Does the program require any additional services (e.g., transportation)?

Target Population

• Are program materials appropriate for our target target population (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status)?

• Are members of the target population likely to accept the new program?

• Are program materials culturally relevant (e.g., language, customs, norms)?

School Climate

• Are school administrators and staff likely to accept the new program?

• Will you be able to obtain the buy-in of school administrators?

• Does the new program fit with existing prevention efforts?

• Will you be able to obtain the buy-in of staff?

• Do prevention programs have a favorable history in your school?

Community Climate

• Are community members likely to accept a new program?

• Will you be able to obtain the buy-in of key community leaders?

• Does the new program fit with existing prevention efforts?

• Will you have access to a referral network for program participants?

• Do prevention programs have a favorable history in your community?

Evaluability

• Is baseline data available?

• Are financial resources available for evaluation?

• Will you have access to participants over time?

• Do you have access to appropriate evaluation skills?

• Does the program design lend itself to straightforward evaluation (e.g., it does not include multiple components)?

Future Sustainability

• Does the program require close collaboration between the school and community?

• Can you depend on strong, ongoing leadership?

• Will you have access to renewable financial support?

• Does the program have a positive image in your community?

• Does your initiative have a strong advocate(s) or spokesperson(s)?

*For more information on how to assess the capacity of your school to implement a given program, read about the Feasibility Tool in Chapter 6 of the MSC Training Manual Word (120K).