July 19, 2017

The NYC Opportunity Managing for Innovation Course (MFIC) helps Community Based Organization (CBO) program managers build the skills they need to effectively administer anti-poverty programs, according to a newly released program evaluation. Launched by the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity) in partnership the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS), MFIC uses an array of training techniques to help program leaders who are responsible for managing innovative, evidence-based NYC Opportunity programs better develop their skills.

Effective program management is critical to the success of the City’s anti-poverty initiatives. NYC Opportunity, which pilots and evaluates anti-poverty programs, is dedicated to promoting capacity-building initiatives designed to improve how these programs are managed.

MFIC’s framework, the Managing for Innovation Core Competency Model, was developed by NYC Opportunity and CUNY SPS. It focuses on seven core competencies needed to operate a data-driven innovation program, ranging from Strategy and Planning to Management and Budgeting, and the course allows participants to develop them in a peer-learning environment. Participants are able to discuss their strengths and weaknesses, brainstorm solutions to problems, and receive group coaching. After completing the program, participants are invited to join the Community of Practice, an alumni network that provides ongoing guidance and networking opportunities.

In a survey conducted as part of the evaluation, 97% of respondents had a favorable impression of MFIC and said they applied lessons they learned in their jobs. Nearly 70% of participants reported that the course improved their ability to collect data, monitor and evaluate changes, and determine best practices. And MFIC is helping programs make progress: 76% of participants and 80% of supervisors said their program saw improved outcomes after participating in the course.

Read the Managing for Innovation Course Evaluation
Learn more about the Core Competency Model