Define Core Components

Core components are the major areas of service and experience that you provide the target population, including:

  • Specific program activities
  • Dosage (amount, frequency)
  • Duration (program length)

Aim to define the core components at the right level. The temptation is to call every single activity a core component.

Be disciplined in first defining the major categories of work.

Guiding Questions

  • What are the categories of the various program services and activities?
  • What are the specific services or activities provided within those categories?
  • How often are these activities/services being provided? For how long? At what intensity?

Examples

Environmental stewardship

  • Summer programs focused on environmental education that meet in the afternoon twice a week for six weeks
  • Conservation and restoration projects that occur once a week afterschool and one weekend per month during the school year
Click on the image below to access
the Clarifying the Core Components of your Program worksheet