Extension > Youth Development > Research > Youth programs
Youth programs
Engaging youth in positive afterschool programming is a vital part of youth development. Learn the best ways to support and improve the quality of youth programming.
Comments on this page? Curator: Rebecca Meyer, Extension educator
Reports & journal articles
Rethinking Program Sustainability: A Look at the Minnesota Center for Youth Development’s Children Youth and Families At Risk Project
Grants offer exciting new resources and opportunities to Extension programs and the communities in which they take place. Sustainability must be prioritized in the program design and development of the grant-funded project or it runs the risk of garnering resentment and disappointment within communities. This poster examines the Center for Youth Development's approach with the Children Youth and Families At Risk Project. 2014.
Using Twitter to Deliver 4-H Show Announcements
Twitter, a free social media tool, can be used to help run a large Extension event. In Minnesota, beef and dairy show committees and 4-H participants are using real-time tweets delivered to participants' cell phones to keep state fair livestock shows running smoothly. 2014.
Youth in 4-H Participation Patterns
Youth organizations, like 4-H, are dynamic systems with structures that grow and change over time. In the current study, we examine differences in participation across gender, race, ethnicity, and area of residence. 2014.
Creating New Program Opportunities with Specialized Staff
Extension will continue to face many changes in the future. Successful staffing models will help Extension position itself for sustainability and growth. Aligning staff with their strengths is essential for success of new staffing plans. Staff can use their strengths to provide success program design and implementation. Staff in new roles will also need to collaborate in program development and offerings to assure the public and stakeholders that new models are sustaining. Journal of Extension. 2012.
Minnesota 4-H Retention Study Brief
and Dale BlythWhile the Minnesota 4-H Club program has been growing over the last six years, over 25% of youth do not re-enroll annually. Wanting to know how 4-H could improve its member retention rate, the Minnesota 4-H Retention Study asked 4-H members who left the program why they decided to join, stay and ultimately leave 4-H. 2010.
Power of the Wind Pilot Project: A six-state partnership to engage youth with wind energy
Appendices B - I
The process evaluation and related appendices from the Power of the Wind Pilot Project, a six state partnership to engage youth with wind energy. 2010.
Stewardship as a Means to Create Organizational Reform: A View into Minnesota 4-H Youth Development
Journal of Extension. 2010.
Afterschool Learning Opportunities Make a Difference
A fact sheet on the benefits of after-school learning. 2008.Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Program Outcomes: Leadership and Civic Engagement
Annotated bibliography on leadership and civic engagement developed to inform program outcomes for Minnesota 4-H Youth Development. 2008.
Intentional Youth Programs: Taking theory to practice
The author puts forth a theory of developmental intentionality, proposing that "when there is a good fit between young people and the intentional supports and opportunities they take part in, engagement is high, and the chance of positive outcomes for learning and development are greatly improved." 2006.
Using Numbers to Tell 4-H Success Stories
An article showing that charts, tables, and graphs can be effectively used to tell 4-H success stories. 2000.
