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 instruments, tools and reports were developed as part of the CYFAR New Communities Projects 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)
Missouri CYFAR 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 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.

2007 Evaluation Complete Report (PDF)
2007 Evaluation Overview Poster (PDF)
2007 Camp Counselor Study - Executive Summary (PDF)

2006 4-H Resident Camp Study - Executive Summary (PDF)
2006 4-H Resident Camp Evaluation (PDF)

2005 Evaluation Overview Poster (PDF)
2005 4-H Resident Camp Study - Executive Summary (PDF)
2005 4-H Resident Camp Evaluation (PDF)

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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 Summaries (in PDF)
2008 summary
2007 summary
2006 summary
2005 summary

St. Louis Youth Futures Graduates Featured
Mizzou Magazine 2008
Embracing Higher Education (PDF) by Sarah Garber

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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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