Adams, Gerald (author), Jenson, Glen (author), Schvaneveldt, Jay (author), Young, Robert (author), and Jenson, Adams, Schvaneveldt: Utah State University, Logan, UT; Young: University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1982
Published:
USA: Madison, WI : Extension Journal.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 87 Document Number: C05850
AGRICOLA IND 87058469, The purpose of this study was to determine the image of 4-H as perceived by 4-H contest winners. A questionnaire asking about family life, friendships, amount of involvement by family members in 4-H, the perceived image of the community and peer groups about 4-H, and other related items was given to the contestants. The 6 top-ranked reasons expressed by respondents for joining 4-H listed parents being a leader first, followed by encouragement by friends, personal enrichment, horse projects, livestock shows, and because the whole family was involved. These data suggest a need for more 4-H evaluation research. The awareness of the need for more research in Utah has certainly been heightened by the rather sparse availability of quality evaluative research data. We realize, of course that this sample isn't representative of the average 4-H youth in Utah, or elsewhere, but the results nevertheless raise important questions and concerns that we as Extension workers must take into consideration as we plan and develop programs in the area of youth development and 4-H work.
11 pages., Article # 4FEA3, via online journal, Leadership development, service learning, place-based education, and economic revitalization are topics relevant to Extension. We performed an evaluation to determine whether a place-based leadership program in Clermont County, Ohio, helps students develop leadership skills and encourages their return to the community. Program evaluation data collected via a web-based survey indicated that 80% of youths planned to return to the area to live and work, an action that would contribute to revitalization of the community. Extension professionals can use findings from our evaluation as a basis for improving existing programs, structuring new youth leadership initiatives, and communicating the value of place-based youth leadership programs to stakeholders.
