Demonstration presented at the 2016 AEA Conference in Atlanta, GA. Focus groups are a popular qualitative method tool and are particularly useful in program evaluation. Participants, who are guided by a trained facilitator, engage in and co-construct a dialogue surrounding a topic of interest. This interaction produces a richness of data that cannot be captured in individual interviews, and that can become a powerful learning tool for all parties involved. This demonstration will describe how to design and facilitate engaging focus groups. The presenter will share two unique focus group formats that were intentionally designed and carried out in a longitudinal evaluation of a general education program at a large research university. The presenter will highlight the benefits of using focus groups in program evaluation and practical strategies for selecting an appropriate focus group format and moderating the discussion. In addition, a brief description of the analysis and results will be shared.#2016Conference