Specialty topics - 4-H
Youth development researchers have studied aspects of the 4-H experiential learning model, its benefits and outcomes, in traditional and urban settings.
Presentations
4-H Dairy Showcase: An Innovative Alternative to Auction Based Recognition for Livestock Programs
Leadership,citizenship and animal science knowledge are the criteria used to determine selection for the showcase, as well as quality livestock. The 4-H Dairy Showcase is structured to recognize “purple ribbon youth.” 2010
Reports & articles
The Positive Development of Youth (868 K PDF)
A report of the findings from the first eight years of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, sometimes referred to as "The Tufts Study." 2012
Creating New Program Opportunities with Specialized Staff
Extension will continue to face many changes in the future. Successful staffing models will help Extension position itself for sustainability and growth. Aligning staff with their strengths is essential for success of new staffing plans. Staff can use their strengths to provide success program design and implementation. Staff in new roles will also need to collaborate in program development and offerings to assure the public and stakeholders that new models are sustaining.
Journal of Extension. 2012
Minnesota 4-H Quality Improvement Study Brief (354 K PDF)
Youth and adult volunteers are key to moving quality forward in 4-H. This research shows that youth and volunteers, with adequate training, can learn how to assess quality and work with 4-H clubs to build better programs with youth. 2011
See Preliminary findings from the Minnesota 4-H Quality Improvement Study (1.25 M PDF) 2010
Minnesota 4-H Retention Study Brief (391 K PDF)
While the Minnesota 4-H Club program has been growing over the last six years, over 25% of youth do not re-enroll annually. Wanting to know how 4-H could improve its member retention rate, the Minnesota 4-H Retention Study asked 4-H members who left the program why they decided to join, stay and ultimately leave 4-H. 2010
Stewardship as a Means to Create Organizational Reform: A View into Minnesota 4-H Youth Development
Journal of Extension. 2010
Power of the Wind Pilot Project: A six state partnership to engage youth with wind energy (718 K PDF)
Appendices B - I(247 K PDF)
The process evaluation and related appendices from the Power of the Wind Pilot Project, a six state partnership to engage youth with wind energy. 2010
Examining 4-H Robotics in the Learning of Science, Engineering and Technology
Topics and the Related Student Attitudes (1.27 MB PDF)
This study measures the effectiveness of a 4-H robotics program to support the learning of specific STEM concepts and to examine related student attitudes to science. 2008
The National Conversation on Youth Development in the 21st Century: Final Report
(492 K PDF)
Specific and strategic calls to action on a national level, based on a nationwide research and strategic planning process completed in 2002.
Bringing Youth Programs to Targeted Areas (96 K PDF)
A University of Minnesota Extension educator describes how a community-based youth development organization reaches underserved populations with accessible and high-quality programming during nonschool hours.
2002
Broadening the Perspective on Health and Youth Development (235 K PDF)
4-H must address modern youth health issues, the authors argue, even if it is sometimes uncomfortable. Includes a brief description of the origins of 4-H. 2000
Extension's Roles in Community Youth Development for the 21st Century (748 K PDF)
An article on the role of Extension and 4-H in youth development today with the arrival of a new millenium. 2000
Using Numbers to Tell 4-H Success Stories (539 K PDF)
An article showing that charts, tables, and graphs can be effectively used to tell 4-H success stories.
2000
Related organizations
Ready by 21 Initiative
Provides leaders with tools and resources based on the knowledge and experience of top thinkers from across the country. Take advantage of blueprints, surveys, how-to guides, webinars, in-depth coaching and technical assistance to ensure the success of your initiative.
Cyfernet
A database of research-based youth development materials, particularly for at-risk audiences. Includes curricula, new and seminal research, technology and program evaluation resources.
Harvard Family Research Project
Research on effective youth development practices, programs, and policies.
Search Institute
Research-based solutions to challenges facing young people.
