A study of the association between selected factors of county 4-H extension programs and senior 4-H enrollment in Tennessee counties

This study was concerned with the problem of decreasing senior 4-H enrollment in Tennessee. Nineteen variables concerning factors of county 4-H programs and four variables concerning the numbers of senior 4-H members per county were investigated. The purpose was to identify the association between variables of county 4-H programs and the numbers of senior 4-H members enrolled. Furthermore, the percent of variation in senior 4-H enrollment accounted for by the county 4-H program variables were studied. Data were secured from secondary sources. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was made with the assistance of The University of Tennessee Computing Center. Findings disclosed that as the numbers of 4-H leaders , numbers and size of 4-H Clubs, numbers of participants in 4-H activities and events, potential numbers of 4-H members, numbers of 4-H members residing on farms and number of county Extension agents, increased the numbers of senior 4-H members enrolled also increased. Furthermore, multiple correlation analysis disclosed that: (1) of the five leadership variables studied, the total number of adult 4-H Club leaders accounted for the largest percent of variation (48 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (2) of the four organization variables studied, the total number of senior 4-H Clubs accounted for the largest per cent of variation (56 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (3) the three participation variables studied, the total number of 4-H members participating in 4-H camp accounted for the largest percent of variation (17 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (4) of the two enrollment related variables studied, the total number of junior 4-H members enrolled accounted for the largest percent of variation (52 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (5) of the three place of residence variables studied, the total number of 4-H members residing on farms accounted for the largest percent of variation (65 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled; (6) of the two Extension staff variables studied, the total number of Extension staff members accounted for the largest percent of variation (31 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled, and (7) when the six groups of variables studied were combined, the total number of 4-H members residing on farms, accounted for the largest percent of variation (65 per cent) in the total number of senior 4-H members enrolled. Recommendations for use of the findings and for further study were made.