| Summary: | As youth development organizations continue to evolve and grow, professionals are faced with the challenges to address the ever-changing needs of their clientele. In order to maintain the longevity of the Oklahoma 4-H program, Extension professionals must address challenges prohibiting, discouraging, or discontinuing participation of youth, families, and volunteers in the program. Additionally, state administrators should examine the challenges their staff face in efforts to execute the mission of 4-H Youth Development. A modified Delphi technique was employed in this study to determine the challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H. Two expert panels were used in this study: Extension educators and 4-H volunteers (Panel 1) and 4-H parents (Panel 2). After 3 rounds of the Delphi technique, Panel 1 identified 11 challenges and Panel 2 identified 9 challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H in the next 5 years. There were 8 identical challenges identified by both panels. These 8 challenges represent priorities for Oklahoma 4-H to address. This study could be replicated in any state to confirm the challenges facing youth development organizations. This research study indicates these findings may be widespread and affect other youth development organizations across the nation beyond the Oklahoma 4-H program.
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