Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program
For years, 4-H has struggled with the complex issue of membership retention, especially among older youth. However, little research has been done concerning why 4-H members choose to leave the program. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the reasons for leaving 4-H with the ultimate...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Clemson University Press
2010-09-01
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| Series: | Journal of Youth Development |
| Online Access: | http://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jyd/article/view/209 |
| _version_ | 1797333630218928128 |
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| author | Mary Beth Albright Theresa M. Ferrari |
| author_facet | Mary Beth Albright Theresa M. Ferrari |
| author_sort | Mary Beth Albright |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | For years, 4-H has struggled with the complex issue of membership retention, especially among older youth. However, little research has been done concerning why 4-H members choose to leave the program. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the reasons for leaving 4-H with the ultimate goal of improving retention of older members. Specific objectives of the study were to (a) explore reasons why youth chose not to re-enroll in the program, (b) identify barriers to participation, and (c) determine what conditions would facilitate participation. Focus group participants consisted of older youth (n=16) who were enrolled in 4-H in a community club in 2007 in Erie County (Ohio), but who did not re-enroll in 2008. Significant findings from the study concerning the retention of older 4-H youth were related to (a) experiences with adult leaders, (b) experiences with competition, and (c) conflicts with other activities. Recommendations for theory, research, and practice are offered. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T08:07:42Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a5f1dd4483ea446aa7dd15b69b3b2c8b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2325-4017 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T08:07:42Z |
| publishDate | 2010-09-01 |
| publisher | Clemson University Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Youth Development |
| spelling | doaj.art-a5f1dd4483ea446aa7dd15b69b3b2c8b2024-02-02T10:08:09ZengClemson University PressJournal of Youth Development2325-40172010-09-0153557410.5195/jyd.2010.209187Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H ProgramMary Beth Albright0Theresa M. Ferrari1Ohio State University ExtensionOhio State University ExtensionFor years, 4-H has struggled with the complex issue of membership retention, especially among older youth. However, little research has been done concerning why 4-H members choose to leave the program. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the reasons for leaving 4-H with the ultimate goal of improving retention of older members. Specific objectives of the study were to (a) explore reasons why youth chose not to re-enroll in the program, (b) identify barriers to participation, and (c) determine what conditions would facilitate participation. Focus group participants consisted of older youth (n=16) who were enrolled in 4-H in a community club in 2007 in Erie County (Ohio), but who did not re-enroll in 2008. Significant findings from the study concerning the retention of older 4-H youth were related to (a) experiences with adult leaders, (b) experiences with competition, and (c) conflicts with other activities. Recommendations for theory, research, and practice are offered.http://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jyd/article/view/209 |
| spellingShingle | Mary Beth Albright Theresa M. Ferrari Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program Journal of Youth Development |
| title | Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program |
| title_full | Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program |
| title_fullStr | Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program |
| title_full_unstemmed | Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program |
| title_short | Push” and “Pull” A Qualitative Study of Factors that Contribute to Older Youth Leaving the 4-H Program |
| title_sort | push and pull a qualitative study of factors that contribute to older youth leaving the 4 h program |
| url | http://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jyd/article/view/209 |
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