A Multi-Tiered Approach to Evaluating a Nonformal Youth Development Program

It is essential for nonformal educational organizations to evaluate their programs and validate impact. However, despite recent pressures for accountability, nonformal settings often do not have shared assessment measures or expectations. Further, many nonformal programs are complex and encompass a broad range of educational settings and methods. Evaluation strategies must respond to a more learner-centered approach to education and be responsive to local needs, but they must also be designed with an appropriate level of methodological rigor. This paper describes the efforts of the National 4-H Science Initiative to develop and administer a multi-tiered evaluation that effectively documents impact through methods that reflect the unique needs and landscape of 4-H science programs

Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth

A Mixed Methods Case Study: Understanding the Experience of Nebraska 4-H Participants Relative to Their Transition and Adaptation to College

This mixed methods case study was designed to assess the preparedness of former Nebraska 4-H participants to successfully transition and adjust to college. The study also sought to understand the way that students’ experiences in Nebraska 4-H may have influenced their readiness to transition to college. The initial quantitative stage of this case study administered the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire to former 4-H participants who were recent high school graduates. Latter qualitative stages included interviews with staff regarding the practices and strategies they employed related to preparing young people for college and interviews with former 4-H participants selected from the survey sample. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated that generally, former 4-H participants reported a positive adaptation to college. Significant differences were found between the variable groups or with the influence of the covariate in the clusters of (a) Attachment: This College; (b) Personal and Emotional Adjustment: Psychological; (c) Personal and Emotional Adjustment: Physical; (d) Social Adjustment: General; and (e) Social Adjustment: Social Environment. Student’s reporting different engagement levels in 4-H reported significant differences in their attachment to college and in their general social adjustment to college. The qualitative analysis discovered that staff and former 4-H participants both credit the cumulative 4-H experience and the multiple opportunities to explore interests, potential career areas and colleges as influential in the preparing young people for the transition to college. Additionally, both groups recognize that 4-H results in skill development relevant to a successful transition to college, especially networking, public speaking, and independence. Ultimately, the findings in this study indicate that the Nebraska 4-H experience positively contributes to the college readiness equation for its participants. Implications for nonformal youth development and suggestions for future research are discussed. Adviser: Brent Cejda

Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth

Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth