4-H participation in Waseca County, Minnesota

The purpose of this study was to determine reasons for the decrease in 4-H enrollment in Waseca County, MN comparing presently enrolled members and members who had dropped out of the program.

A sample survey was used with members enrolled and former members to determine reasons for remaining or dropping out of the 4-H program.

The results indicated that the majority of members come from rural, two-parent, two children families where the mother was not employed outside the home. Youth dropped out of the 4-H program when mothers became employed outside the home and the fathers were not involved in the program.

Dropouts expressed the following dislikes for the current program: 4-H record keeping system, club leaders and club meetings. Members and non-members expressed the need to become more involved in their own program and to have offered to them more relevant programs based on needs of today's youth.