Build Your Future: Connecting Career Exploration and Postsecondary Education

Authors

  • Nancy Shelstad University of Idaho
  • Carrie Johnson University of Idaho
  • Suzann Dolecheck University of Idaho

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2020.796

Keywords:

college readiness, career exploration, postsecondary education, 4-H, youth financial education

Abstract

Many factors perpetuate the low go-on rate in Idaho, and many Idaho youth do not look to postsecondary education as an obtainable future, though evidence predicts Idaho’s job market will require more postsecondary degrees. Therefore, the goal of the Idaho 4-H Build Your Future Program is to cultivate relationships with Idaho youth that would otherwise not seek postsecondary education. The program provides youth with the opportunity to explore career options, visit a college campus, and visualize themselves as capable, competent adults with a quality education, thus inspiring more youth to consider pursuing advanced career paths. Site facilitators across Idaho led groups of youth in 8th through 12th grades through the program. A pre–post retrospective survey of the 2018 program indicates that youth are learning more about postsecondary education options and how to pay for it. In the survey, 87% of youth indicated that they understand the different requirements for postsecondary degrees and certifications, and 77% indicated that they have created a plan to pay for their postsecondary education. The program is raising awareness of potential solutions for moving forward with postsecondary education options.

Author Biographies

Nancy Shelstad, University of Idaho

4-H Youth Development

Regional 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator

Carrie Johnson, University of Idaho

4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development Extension Educator

Suzann Dolecheck, University of Idaho

4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development Extension Educator

References

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Henscheld, J., & McHugh, C. (2017). Life choices of high school seniors. Idaho Facts at a Glance, 8(1). University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research. https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/president/direct-reports/mcclure-center/Idaho-at-a-Glance/IDG-LAHS.pdf

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Idaho Department of Labor. (2018) Projections of Idaho jobs by industry and occupation 2012 to 2022. (n.d.). https://labor.Idaho.gov/publications/2022-Idaho-Projections.pdf

Lerner, R. M., Lerner, J. V., & Colleagues. (2013). The positive development of youth: Comprehensive findings from the 4-H study of positive youth development. Medford, MA: Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development. https://4-h.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/4-H-Study-of-Positive-Youth-Development-Full-Report.pdf

Schneider, B., Broda, M., Fudy, F., & Burkander, K. (2013). Pathways to college and STEM careers: Enhancing the high school experience. New Directions for Youth Development, 140, 9-29.

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Published

2020-09-22

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 5 (2020)

Section

Program & Practice Articles

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