Factors that influence 4-H club membership retention in West Virginia

The purpose of the study was to determine retention rates among youth enrolled in West Virginias 4-H youth programs and to identify characteristics or trends associated with 4-H club membership retention. Population of the study consisted of youth who were members in 2002, 2003 and 2004 using an ex post facto research design. Variables explored were: county, age, gender, grade in school, years in 4-H and projects attempted. Years of club membership were higher than the mean of the individuals that dropped out of the program.