Assessing the Influence of 4-H Participation on the Development of Workforce Readiness Skills

Authors

• Jodi L. Smith, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Jamie Mullins, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Lisa Ingram, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Brenda Pruett, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Allison Nichols, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Carole Scheerbaum, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Lorrie Wright, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow
• Amanda Johnson, West Virginia University Extension ServiceFollow

Volume

62

Issue

4

Abstract

We examined the impact of 4-H participation on workforce readiness skill development, including personal, work, communication, and problem solving/decision-making. The study examined two levels of 4-H activities: county-level and state-level. The online survey instrument contained questions about demographics, skill development and 4-H participation. Respondents indicated participation in county-level activities was positively related to the development of the four workforce skills; however, participation in state-level activities was significantly related to the development of work skills. Problem solving/decision-making skills was least associated to county or state-level participation. We recommend Extension professionals intentionally incorporate workforce readiness skills into all 4-H activities.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Smith, J. L., Mullins, J., Ingram, L., Pruett, B., Nichols, A., Scheerbaum, C., Wright, L., & Johnson, A. (2024). Assessing the Influence of 4-H Participation on the Development of Workforce Readiness Skills. Journal of Extension, 62(4), Article 13. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.62.04.13