A Mixed Methods Case Study: Understanding the Experience of Nebraska 4-H Participants Relative to…

“This mixed methods case study was designed to assess the preparedness of former Nebraska 4-H participants to successfully transition and adjust to college. The study also sought to understand the way that students’ experiences in Nebraska 4-H may have influenced their readiness to transition to college. The initial quantitative stage of this case study administered the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire to former 4-H participants who were recent high school graduates. Latter qualitative stages included interviews with staff regarding the practices and strategies they employed related to preparing young people for college and interviews with former 4-H participants selected from the survey sample” (p.A).(Abstractor: Author)

Full Publication Title: A Mixed Methods Case Study: Understanding the Experience of Nebraska 4-H Participants Relative to Their Transition and Adaptation to College

“The findings presented in this study indicate that the Nebraska 4-H experience does contribute to the preparedness of participants to transition to college, which suggests the increased likelihood that former participants will persist in achieving a degree. Most notably, the level of engagement in 4-H positively influences attachment to the college and social adjustment for some students. Further, the qualitative data describes a rich diverse experience with multiple points of connection for participants. Both staff and students credit the cumulative experience and all of the facets of the Nebraska 4-H experience with preparing participants for success in the future. Additionally, both groups documented that the 4-H experience results in skill development that is relevant to a successful transition to college. Preparing young people for successful futures is the primary goal of many non-formal youth development programs. The findings of this study certainly aid Nebraska 4-H in understanding how their program contributes to college readiness and exposes potential opportunities to maximize impacts related to college readiness. The findings and description of practices may also be applicable to other non-formal youth development organization. Finally, the results of this study document how one non-formal youth development organization contributes to closing the readiness gap and contributes an increased understanding of the role of non-formal, out-of-school time experiences in preparing young people for college” (p.107-108).(Abstractor: Author)

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Resource Publication Date: 2013
• Author(s): Walahoski, Jill
• Organizational Author(s): University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Funding Source: Funding source not identified
• Resource Availability: Publicly available
• Posted by: Wesley Peterson
• Posted in: Workforce System Strategies