MARKET STREET RESEARCH DEVELOPS OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME MARKET RESEARCH MANUAL FOR THE WALLACE FOUNDATION

June 2007 – Northampton, MA - Market Street Research (MSR) today announces the publication of its manual for conducting market research for out-of-school time planning commissioned by the Wallace Foundation of Washington, DC; a leading national supporter of out-of-school time (OST) programs. MSR was chosen to develop this manual based on the firm’s nationally recognized expertise in conducting market research to inform and enhance OST planning efforts. The manual provides direction for any community interested in conducting market research to improve their after school planning efforts. Both MSR and the Wallace Foundation believe strongly that this effort will have a positive impact on the lives of countless children across the US.

About OST: During the time after school, children can be exposed to a variety of dangers and threats. To effectively fill the time gap between school and home, after-school coordinators must deliver enriching and entertaining activities. The manual, “Getting Started with Market Research for Out-Of-School Time Planning: A Resource Guide for Communities”, is a practical guide that enables coordinators to maximize their planning efforts by ensuring they follow market research best practices in the development of after school programs. The manual is available at: http://www.marketstreetresearch.com/ostmanual.html.

MSR is widely recognized for its depth of experience in conducting OST-oriented research, having conducted this work in support of organizations serving the residents of Providence, RI, Washington, D.C., NYC and Boston, MA, among other US cities. A diverse group of teachers, school administrators, community leaders, after-school coordinators, and OST advocates also contributed to the effort.

“It was very rewarding to document the processes that we follow to ensure high-quality research that we know will positively impact the lives of kids across the nation; it was something everybody here felt really good about” said President and founder of Market Street Research, Dr. Julie Pokela. The expertise of Dr. Pokela in the field of OST market research is well acknowledged, having been asked to speak at numerous conferences regarding activities planning for communities, including the Grantmakers for Children, Youth & Families 21st Annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ, and the 10th annual Grantmakers for Education Conference in Los Angeles.

Market Street Research: Since 1978, MSR has been providing highly customized quantitative and qualitative marketing research services to hundreds of clients in the healthcare, financial services, non-profit, consumer products and other industries. Based in Northampton, MA, MSR provides the complete analysis and interpretations of data collected through focus groups, telephone and web-based surveys and other research methodologies, to bring clients insightful, grounded conclusions to direct their decision making. Learn more about MSR at: http://www.marketstreetresearch.com.