A national assessment of the career and occupational development needs of 4-H youth

The purpose of the study of 13 and 17 year-old 4-H members was to determine their career and occupational development level, identify life and work skills possessed, and identify ways they perceive 4-H prepares youth for the world of work. A stratified national random sample of 556 members from 16 states and 69 counties were mailed a questionnaire patterned after other national studies. 4-H members were found to have achieved or exceeded national career and occupational development standards for numerical skills, knowledge of oneself, knowledge of jobs and careers, and other areas. They exceeded national standards in areas of communication skills and career planning. They focused more on professional and technical rather than service and trade occupations. They lacked awareness of their likes and dislikes and failed to recognize discrimination as a reason people aren't hired for jobs. 4-H helped members in the development of 19 of the twenty-two life and works skills. They agreed with twenty-three of the thirty ways 4-H prepares youth for the world of work. They were 'neutral' in agreeing that 4-H helped develop knowledge about specific jobs and careers and provided opportunities to observe and visit with people at work. More than half indicated a future job interest was 4-H related, but they did not realize 4-H projects and activities helped them develop job interests. Recommendations included research regarding older 4-H member retention, job and career supplements for 4-H projects, educational information for parents and development of a specialized economic, job and career program.