Factors related to the dropout rate and retention of senior 4-H boys and girls in Peach County, Georgia

This study was conducted to compare active Senior 4-H Members with those Senior Members who dropped out of 4-H during their senior years as to selected characteristics. It was believed that this study would help to identify reasons members drop out during senior years.

Data were obtained from 56 boys and girls from Peach County, Georgia. These boys and girls were all members of the Peach County Senior 4-H Club and had attended the district project achievement meeting in 1976. Data were obtained through group interviews. The interview schedule consisted of 35 questions from which 13l variables were identified.

Chi Square and analysis of variance were statistics used to determine the significance of observed and expected differences between members and drop outs regarding 129 selected variables. Findings were presented in crosstabulation tables showing frequencies and percentages. Chi Square values which achieved the .05 level were interpreted as indicating statistically significance differences between members and drop outs. Major Findings:

1. Significantly higher percentages of the members than of the drop outs felt that: attending state 4-H events and receiving help on 4-H projects and 4-H meetings were incentives for remaining in 4-H through their senior years.

2. Significantly higher percentages of the members than of the drop outs had participated in 4-H public speaking, 4-H fairs, 4-Hproject groups, 4-H camp and other 4-H events and activities.

3. Significantly higher percentages of the members' parents than of the parents of drop outs had helped with 4-H events and activities by providing transportation for their own children and for other 4-H members. Also, a significantly higher percentage of the members than of the drop outs felt that their parents had encouraged them to give demonstrations at 4-H meetings.

4. Significantly higher percentages of the members than of the drop outs felt their friends had a positive attitude about 4-H Club work. Conversely, a higher percentage of the drop outs than of the members felt their friends had a negative attitude toward 4-H work.

5. Significantly higher percentages of the members than of the drop outs felt they had had the opportunity to participate in making decisions regarding 4-H work.

6. Significantly higher percentages of the drop outs than of the members felt that discipline at 4-H meetings was too strict and that some members were given special treatment regarding discipline.

7. Significantly higher percentages of the drop outs than of the members felt that 4-H records were overemphasized and that 4-H records should be dropped for Senior Members.