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The 4-H Study is a longitudinal study which began in 2001, through the support of National 4-H Council.
Researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University led by youth
development scholar, Dr. Richard Lerner, with the contribution of land-grant universities conducted the study.
The 4,701 adolescents surveyed are racially and geographically diverse representing 34 states in the nation.
Research shows that youth development programs like 4-H play a
special and vital role in the lives of America’s young people. According to
the latest findings in the second annual report from the 4-H Study of
Positive Youth Development (PYD), youth have the capacity to thrive
when presented with resources for healthy development found in
families, schools, and communities-regardless of their background,
socioeconomic status, race, and gender.
Youth are measured in “Waves” across time with comparisons between those that participate in 4-H to those
that do not. By taking snapshots at different points in their academic career, the study confirms that youth
development programs work best when they include:
- Sustained, positive youth-adult relationships,
- Skill building experiences, and
- Youth engagement and leadership.
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Compared to other youth, 4-H’ers excel and are:
- 25 percent more likely to contribute to their families, themselves, and their communities.
- More likely to see themselves going to college compared to other youth.
- 41 percent less likely to engage in risk/problem behavior.
- Higher scores on goal setting and goal management (SOC).
The 4-H Study of PYD also shows that youth involved in high quality, structured out-of-school programs are more likely to develop the “five C’s” (competence, confidence, character, caring and connection). With these assets and as their participation in 4-H programs increase, they are more likely to be at the highest levels of contributions in their communities. |
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| Science, Engineering and Technology |
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In the Wave 6 (2008) data collection, questions regarding science, engineering
and computer technology (SET) interests and attitudes were added, surveying
youth in the 10th grade. The sample includes 1,309 4-H participants and 788
non-4-H participants. The two groups in the evaluation are adolescents who
participate in 4-H programs versus youth who do not. Key findings show that
4-H youth are more likely to:
- Participate in programs science, engineering and computer technology programs,
- Perform better in subjects related to SET compared to their classmates,
- Plan to pursue careers in SET, and
- Have higher levels of female involvement in SET programs.
More Likely to Plan to Pursue SET Careers
More 4-H Girls Participate in SET Programs
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