Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 1 of 7

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Appendix A.11 – Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Table 1. Examples of evidence-based programs supported by volunteers

This table contains programs developed or adapted for volunteer engagement in which eligible research studies 

have already been reviewed by a federal agency. It reflects programs identified by AmeriCorps as of 2017 and 

should not be construed as a comprehensive list of all evidence-based programs that may potentially be relevant 

to AmeriCorps Seniors grantees. 

Program name & 

Developer Websitei

Demonstrated 

Outcomes

Mode and Durationii Evidence Review

Across Ages 

http://acrossages.org

Improved attitudes 

toward school, 

future, and elders. 

Fewer absences 

from school.

Mentoring by older adult 

volunteer with students 10 

to 13 years old for a 

minimum of two hours per 

week. Participants receive 

26 weekly 45-minute 

Social Problem-solving 

lessons and are engaged in 

weekly community service 

and family activities. 

For a US Department of Justice 

(USDOJ) National Institute of 

Justice-sponsored review of 

research (2013), see 

http://www.crimesolutions.gov/Progra

mDetails.aspx?ID=314. See also 

https://nrepp.samhsa.gov/ProgramProf

ile.aspx?id=209. . 

A Matter of Balance 

www.mainehealth.org/

mob

Decreased fear of 

falling and 

associated 

restrictions in 

activity levels. 

Eight two-hour, smallgroup sessions with eight 

to twelve participants over 

four or eight weeks 

Impacts were demonstrated with 

professional leaders and shown to 

produce similar outcomes using the 

subsequently-developed lay 

leadership model. See 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub

med/9826971 and 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/

articles/PMC4410326/ 

Big Brothers Big 

Sisters CommunityBased Mentoringiii

https://www.bbbs.org/

community-based/

Positive findings for 

student behavior. 

Mentor and young person 

(age 6-18, predominantly 

from low-income, singleparent households) meet 

for two to four times per 

month for at least a year, 

and engage in activities of 

their choosing (e.g., 

studying, cooking, playing 

sports). The typical 

meeting lasts three to four 

hours. 

For a US DOJ National Institute of 

Justice-sponsored review of 

research (2011), see 

http://www.crimesolutions.gov/Pro

gramDetails.aspx?ID=112. 

See also 

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Study/

82206
Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 2 of 7

For all appendices, including editable versions of samples and templates, visit 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/operations-handbook-appendices.

Program name & 

Developer Websitei

Demonstrated 

Outcomes

Mode and Durationii Evidence Review

Chronic Disease SelfManagement 

Program and 

variationsiv

https://www.selfmanag

ementresource.com/

Demonstrated 

impacts vary by 

program, but include 

improvements in 

healthy behavior, 

self-reported health, 

reduced limitation in 

social roles/activity, 

and reductions in 

utilization of 

medical service. 

Weekly, two-and-a-halfhour small group 

workshop for six weeks, 

except for: 

• Arthritis SelfManagement - weekly 

two-hour workshop for 

six weeks

• Online Disease SelfManagement - log on 

two to three times per 

week 

See citations in the Centers for 

Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 

Evaluation of Community-based 

Wellness and Prevention Programs 

(https://innovation.cms.gov/Files/r

eports/CommunityWellnessRTC.p

df). For a review of research and 

implementation support for the 

Spanish-language version of the 

Diabetes Self-Management 

Program see:

https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/pr

ograms/2017-

03/Programa_de_Manejo_Personal

_de_la_Diabetes.pdf

Enhance Fitness 

https://projectenhance.

org/enhancefitness/ 

Improvement in 

physical and 

psychological 

functioning, 

decreased 

depression, lower 

healthcare 

utilization. 

Three one-hour classes per 

week on an ongoing basis 

For a review of research and 

implementation support, see: 

https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/fi

les/programs/2017-

03/EnhanceFitness_InterventionSu

mmary.pdf

Experience Corps 

www.aarp.org/experie

nce-corps 

Improved reading 

comprehension and 

teacher assessment 

of grade level 

reading skills for 

students in grades 

one through three. 

Tutoring by older adult 

volunteers with elementary 

school students considered 

at-risk of academic failure. 

Sessions range in 

frequency and length—

two to four times per week 

for 25-45 minutes for 35 

weeks. 

As described in USDOE What 

Works Clearinghouse single study 

review: 

http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Study/6728

0. 

Fit and Strong 

http://fitandstrong.org 

Increases in physical 

activity, improved 

lower extremity 

strength and 

mobility (risk factors 

for falls), decreased 

anxiety and 

depression. 

Three 90-minute sessions 

per week for eight weeks 

For a review of research and 

implementation support, see: 

https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/files/

programs/2017-

03/Fit_and_Strong.pdf. 
Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 3 of 7

For all appendices, including editable versions of samples and templates, visit 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/operations-handbook-appendices.

Program name & 

Developer Websitei

Demonstrated 

Outcomes

Mode and Durationii Evidence Review

Healthy Steps for 

Older Adults 

www.aging.pa.gov/agi

ng-services/healthwellness/Pages/Health

y-Steps-for-OlderAdults.aspx 

Reduced incidence 

of falls, frequency of 

self-reported 

hospital and 

emergency 

department use. 

Screening, assessment and 

two-and-a-half-hour 

workshop (four hours 

total) 

For a review of research and 

implementation support, see: 

https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/fi

les/programs/2017-03/HSOAIntervention-Summary-Report.pdf.

Jumpstart 

http://jstart.org 

Improvements in 

oral language and 

early literacy skills 

for pre-school age 

children in underresourced 

neighborhoods. 

Two-hour, volunteer-led 

pre-Kindergarten class 

sessions two days per 

week for 20 weeks. Each 

session revolves around a 

core storybook and skillsbased activities. One-onone child-centered time in 

classroom. 

For a 2015 impact evaluation 

report of the California Jumpstart 

College Corps program see 

http://www.nationalservice.gov/impact

-our-nation/evidenceexchange/Jumpstart-CA. 

Program of AllInclusive Care for 

the Elderly (PACE) 

www.npaonline.org 

Fewer 

hospitalizations, 

nursing home stays 

and depressive 

symptoms; better 

self-reported health 

compared with 

nursing-home 

eligible HBCS 

participants. 

PACE programs 

coordinate and provide all 

needed preventative, 

primary, acute and longterm care services. 

Participants are 

transported to a center on 

average three times a week 

for therapies and 

interdisciplinary team care.

For an Administration for 

Community Living-sponsored 

review of research (2012) on 

patient outcomes within the PACE 

program, see 

https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/fi

les/programs/2017-03/PACEADEPP-Summary-2014.pdf. 

Reading for Life 

www.readingforlife.us 

Reduced rearrests 

and arrest counts for 

prosecuted 

misdemeanors, 

felonies, and other 

offenses. 

A diversion program in 

which juveniles ages 13–

18, who have committed 

non-violent offenses, study 

works of literature and 

classic virtue theory in 

small groups, led by 

trained volunteer mentors. 

Groups meet twice a week 

for one hour over the 

course of 10-12 weeks.v

For a USDOJ National Institute of 

Justice-sponsored review of 

research (2016) on the Reading for 

Life program, see 

http://www.crimesolutions.gov/Progra

mDetails.aspx?ID=464. 
Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 4 of 7

For all appendices, including editable versions of samples and templates, visit 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/operations-handbook-appendices.

Program name & 

Developer Websitei

Demonstrated 

Outcomes

Mode and Durationii Evidence Review

Reading Partners 

http://readingpartners.

org 

Improved sight word 

recognition, reading 

comprehension, and 

fluency for students 

in grades two and 

three. 

Tutoring by community 

volunteers with elementary 

students one-half to twoand-a-half years behind 

grade level supported by a 

standard reading 

assessment, research-based 

curriculum, full-time site 

coordinator, and dedicated 

program space. Tutoring is 

offered in twice-a-week, 

45-minute sessions.

As described in USDOE’s What 

Works Clearinghouse single study 

review: 

http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Study/8

0616. 

The average student in the impact 

study received 57 minutes of 

tutoring per week for 28 weeks.

Senior Reach 

www.seniorreach.org 

Reduced isolation 

and depression and 

improved physical, 

social, and mental 

health functioning of 

seniors served. 

Volunteers are educated to 

observe behaviors that 

indicate an older adult may 

be in need of help. An 

elder-friendly, telephonic 

single point of entry (call 

center) receives referrals 

and reaches out to seniors 

in need and arranges a 

home visit to determine 

what services are needed.

For a Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administrationsponsored review of research 

(2012), see 

http://legacy.nreppadmin.net/View

Intervention.aspx?id=330 

Sound Partners 

www.voyagersopris.co

m/curriculum/subject/l

iteracy/sound-partners 

Improvements in 

recognizing the 

relationship between 

letters and sounds 

(phonemic and 

phonological 

awareness), reading 

fluency and 

comprehension. 

Scripted lessons for tutors 

with minimal training and 

experience assisting 

students in kindergarten 

through third grade with 

below average reading 

skills in alphabetic and 

phonics skills. Uses Bob 

Books® beginning reading 

series as one of the 

primary texts for oral 

reading practice. Thirtyminute sessions three to 

four times per week for 

25-28 weeks. 

The USDOE What Works 

Clearinghouse summarizes 

multiple impact evaluations of the 

Sound Partners beginning reading 

tutoring program curriculum: 

http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Interve

ntion/440. 

Tai Ji Quan: Moving 

for Better Balance 

http://tjqmbb.org 

Improved functional 

balance, increased 

mobility, reduced 

number of falls. 

One-hour group sessions, 

two to three times per 

month for six months/48 

sessions 

For a review of research and 

implementation support, see: 

https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/fi

les/programs/2017-

03/TaiChi_InterventionSummary.p

df. 
Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 5 of 7

For all appendices, including editable versions of samples and templates, visit 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/operations-handbook-appendices.

Program name & 

Developer Websitei

Demonstrated 

Outcomes

Mode and Durationii Evidence Review

Wellness Initiative 

for Senior Education 

(WISE) 

https://centerforpreven

tion.org/wise/

Improved 

knowledge and 

attitudes about 

aging, depression, 

alcohol, and 

medications. 

Improved health and 

health care behavior, 

medication 

management. 

Weekly, two-to-threehour, small-group sessions 

for six weeks 

For a review of research and 

implementation support, see: 

https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/fi

les/programs/2017-

03/WISE_ACL_Summary.pdf

Table 2. Federal registries of evidence-based interventions

These registries rate or list programs or practices based on rigorous studies and outcomes of interest to 

AmeriCorps. Use the link in the table below to go directly to the search page. Follow instructions in the third 

column to identify programs and practices that received acceptable ratings of evidence.

Agency Name of registry, web address, & description Acceptable rating & how to 

find/filter for it

Institute for Education 

Sciences

(U.S. Department of 

Education)

What Works Clearinghouse/Find What Works

www.ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc

Description: Summarizes and rates evidence for 

150+ educational programs, practices, and 

curricula, many with cost and contact 

information. 

Must be supported by a study that 

meets What Works Clearinghouse 

standards without reservation and 

has at least one statistically 

significant positive finding. In 

systematic reviews: “Potentially 

Positive” (+), “Positive” (++), or 

“Mixed” (+-).

Administration for 

Community Living

(U.S. Dept. of Health and 

Human Services) 

Aging and Disability Evidence-Based Programs 

and Practices 

www.acl.gov/Programs/CPE/OPE

Description: Contains information on research 

evidence, implementation materials, cost, and 

contacts for a dozen programs that can be 

readily replicated (10-20 pages each).

All program models listed on this 

page

Centers for Disease 

Control

(U.S. Dept. of Health and 

Human Services)

CDC Compendium of Effective Fall 

Interventions

www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/Falls

Description: Highlights 15 exercise and 12 

multifaceted programs shown to reduce falls 

among seniors 60+ (2-4 pages each).

All program models listed in the 

compendium
Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 6 of 7

For all appendices, including editable versions of samples and templates, visit 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/operations-handbook-appendices.

Agency Name of registry, web address, & description Acceptable rating & how to 

find/filter for it

Centers for Medicare 

and Medicaid Services 

(U.S. Dept. of Health and 

Human Services)

Evaluation of Community-based Wellness and 

Prevention Programs

https://innovation.cms.gov 

Description: Examines Medicaid cost savings 

from participation in programs promoting 

physical activity, falls prevention, and chronic 

disease self-management.

Program must have at least one 

“Level 1” study 

Evidence for programs is reviewed 

in Section 1. Evidence Review 

Results.

National Institutes of 

Health, National Cancer 

Institute 

(U.S. Dept. of Health and 

Human Services)

Research-tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs)

https://rtips.cancer.gov/rtips

Description: Summarizes and rates evidence 

and replicability for 150+ cancer prevention 

programs.

Program must score 4 or higher in 

“Research Integrity” and 

“Intervention Impact.”

Filter by any criteria

Substance Abuse and 

Mental Health Services 

Administration 

(U.S. Dept. of Health and 

Human Services)

National Registry of Evidence Based Programs

www.nrepp.samhsa.gov 

Description: Rates 350+ substance abuse and 

mental health interventions. Most designed for 

professional delivery. Search results are divided 

into two lists--newly reviewed or legacy--

depending on when the program was added to 

the registry.

Newly reviewed programs must be 

“Promising” or “Effective” for 

desired outcome. Legacy programs 

must be rated 3+ for desired 

outcome. 

Enter keyword and click Search 

Now. Filter results by rating.

Office of Juvenile Justice 

and Delinquency 

Prevention 

(U.S. Department of 

Justice)

Model Programs Guide

www.ojjdp.gov/mpg 

Description: Summarizes and rates evidence for 

250+ programs (from crimesolutions.gov) for 

juvenile justice and youth prevention, 

intervention, and reentry outcomes.

Program must be rated “Promising” 

or “Effective”

Filter by criteria on left panel. Select

View Effective or View Promising 

tabs. 

National Mentoring 

Resource Center

(sponsored by USDOJ 

OJJDP)

Mentoring Program Reviews

www.nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org

Description: Easy access to reviews from 

crimesolutions.gov for 35+ mentoring programs 

along with helpful insights on each program, 

including Experience Corps.

Program/practice must be rated 

“Promising” or “Effective”

Table 3. Program evaluation research registries

These registries rate the rigor of studies of interest in the areas of strengthening families, labor, national 

service, and employment readiness. Having the required rating in column three does not indicate that the 

program has demonstrated positive results. The research may have actually demonstrated negative impact for 

participants. Activate the link provided in column two to go directly to the search page, then follow instructions 

in the third column to identify studies with experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation designs. 
Appendix A.11 - Evidence-Based Programs and Registries

Version 2020.2 Pg. 7 of 7

For all appendices, including editable versions of samples and templates, visit 

https://www.nationalservice.gov/operations-handbook-appendices.

Agency Name of registry, web address, & description Required study rating & how to filter 

search results

Administration for 

Children and Families 

(U.S. Dept. of Health 

and Human Services,)

Strengthening Families Evidence Review

http://familyreview.acf.hhs.gov 

Description: Reviews 199 studies and identifies 

18 with high and moderate rating. (Does not rate 

programs.)

Study must be rated “Moderate” or 

“High”

At left, in Study Search Descriptions 

box, click on Study Rating and select 

Moderate and High

AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange 

www.nationalservice.gov/evidence-exchange

Description: Contains evaluation research reports 

on models sponsored by AmeriCorps, notably 

Minnesota Reading Corps (Pre-K, K-3).

Study must be rated “Moderate” or 

“Strong.”

Open the Advanced Search tab. 

Locate the Levels of Evidence criteria 

and select Moderate and Strong. 

U.S. Department of 

Labor

Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research 

(CLEAR)

http://clear.dol.gov

Description: Summarizes and rates studies in 

topic areas such as opportunities for youth 

disconnected from school and the workforce; 

women in science, technology, engineering, and 

math (STEM); and saving for retirement. 

Supporting studies must be rated 

“Moderate Causal Evidence” or “High 

Causal Evidence”

Select a Topic Area, filter by Study 

Type: Causal Analysis and select

Moderate or High.

i A listing in this table does not constitute endorsement of the program or of products and services offered 

by program developers.

ii Mode and duration are two facets of the program model that may need to be implemented with fidelity. 

Program developers often require the use of additional implementation materials and fidelity assurance 

mechanisms. 

iii The Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Mentoring Program has demonstrated outcomes related 

to student behavior. ED27 may be used to fulfill National Performance Measure requirements. 

iv For a comparison of impacts of CDSMP and related chronic disease self-management programs, see: 

http://www.eblcprograms.org/evidence-based/recommended-programs/chronic-disease-medicationmanagement. Related evidence-based programs include, but are not limited to the Better Choices, Better 

Health® Workshop, Arthritis Self-Management, Chronic Pain Self-Management, and Online Disease SelfManagement. 

v The Reading for Life program does not regularly require academic engagement outcome data for 

participants. ED27 or ED6 may be used to fulfill National Performance Measure requirements.