Research and Evaluation

Research-based curriculum, materials, and programming is an important component of 4-H.

Section links for this page:
4-H Study of Positive Youth Development
4-H LIFE
Afterschool Computer Labs
Camp Evaluation
Youth Futures Evaluation
Evaluation Resources

4-H Study of Positive Youth Development
The longitudinal 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development involves more than 4,400 youth and 2,000 parents from 25 states. The 4-H Study measures the a variety of personal and social factors that impact a young person’s development. Overall, study researchers are finding that participating in high-quality youth development programs like 4-H plays a critical role in helping young people achieve success. 

For an overview and reports, see 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development

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4-H Living Interactive Family Education (LIFE) Evaluation
4-H LIFE is a family-strengthening program for children of offenders and their families.  Evaluation reports from the 4-H LIFE program that began in 2000 at the Potosi Correctional Center and the CYFAR New Communities Projects are available at Missouri 4-H LIFE.
 

Afterschool Computer Labs

Brightening Horizons
This report summarizes and interprets the results of computer skill assessments given to children at Missouri 4-H Afterschool Computer Lab sites during 2003-04.
Evaluation Report (PDF)
Computer Skills Assessment Tools

Playing to Learn
An evaluation of the participation of upper elementary and middle school students in Missouri recreational computer lab programs.
Evaluation Executive Summary (PDF)
Order Form (PDF) for the complete evaluation report

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Camp Evaluation
Statewide evaluations in 2005 and 2006 conducted by 4-H staff across Missouri show that camp develops essential life skills in youth.  The specific life skills evaluated in these studies were teamwork, self-responsibility, learning by doing, and social skills.

Evaluation Executive Summary 2006 (PDF)
Evaluation Report 2006 (PDF 936 KB)

Evaluation Overview Poster 2005 (PDF)
Evaluation Executive Summary 2005 (PDF)
Evaluation Report 2005 (PDF 403 KB)

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Youth Futures Evaluation
Youth Futures: College Within Reach is a college orientation program for underserved youth.  The program includes local mentoring and on-campus experiences that promote college as an obtainable goal.

Youth Futures Evaluation Summary 2007 (PDF)
Youth Futures Evaluation Summary 2006 (PDF)
Youth Futures Evaluation Summary 2005 (PDF)

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Evaluation Resources

Penn State Program Evaluation
Information to design and implement a useful program evaluation in order to improve a program, compare delivery methods, respond to stakeholders, advocate, and prepare for promotion. 
http://www.extension.psu.edu/evaluation/

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