Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1988

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Roy Lessly

Committee Members

Cecil E. Carter Jr., Ben T. Powell

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to determine some of the factors related to the retention of older teens in the 4-H Club program in Tennessee. Data were obtained from 367 Tennessee 4-H members in attendance at the 1987 State 4-H Roundup held at the University of Tennessee. Survey questions dealt with the 4-H members sex, grade, place of residence, family background, 4-H experiences, interest and participation in 4-H Clubs, trips and other activities. Analysis of the data was completed primarily through the use of descriptive statistics. Frequencies, percentages and rankings were used to compare individual responses. The chi square (x2) test was used to determine relationships between selected dependent and independent variables with the 0.05 level of probability accepted as being statistically significant. Major findings of the study were: The average age of all respondents was 16.5 years with 60 percent of all respondents being girls. A majority of the respondents were currently enrolled in the tenth grade or above with 95 percent joining 4-H while in grade three, four or five. Nearly 98 percent of the respondents joined 4-H the first year that it was offered and only 7 percent had dropped out of 4-H and re-enrolled Ninety percent of the respondents indicated that their club had a volunteer leader, and 60 percent of the members parents served as leaders in the program. A high percentage of respondents indicated that gaining new know ledge and skills through project work was very important to their remaining in 4-H. When asked to rank six individuals as to the importance of their influencing the member to remain in 4-H, the respondents indicated that their own desire to remain was the highest ranking reason for remaining in the 4-H program. 4-H agents and parents ranked second and third as the individuals having the most influence in their remaining in 4-H. Eighty-six percent of the respondents felt that meeting and making new friends was very important to their remaining in 4-H. A large percentage of the respondents also indicated that participating in a wide variety of club activities and the opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills were important to their remaining in the program. Respondents indicated that the wide variety of 4-H projects and activities, participation on a judging team, and District and State All-star events, were important reasons for remaining in 4-H. When asked to indicate the level of importance 12 different trips and recognitions had on influencing their remaining in 4-H, 80 percent of the respondents indicated that 4-H Congress was very important. Members also indicated that 4-H Roundup and National 4-H Congress were important reasons for remaining in the 4-H program. Respondents strongly agreed with the statement that knowledge and skills learned through 4-H programs would benefit them in adult life. They also strongly agreed with the statement that opportunities beyond the club and county were positive factors for their remaining in 4-H programs. When asked the number of youth organizations to which they belonged and their perception of club benefits, respondents indicated they learned more skills and knowledge, leadership skills and confidence, received more responsibilities and improved communication skills to a greater extent through the 4-H program than other youth organizations. Implications and recommendations are also included in the study.

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