The Impact of a Youth Development Program on Secondary Students’ Career Aspirations

Authors

  • Bonita Williams Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Jody Thompson Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Tonya Taylor Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Karen Eley Sanders Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2010.210

Abstract

This study’s purpose determined the extent to which adolescents’ participation in a youth development program may be linked to the participants’ post-secondary education and career aspirations. One hundred and seven adolescents, ages 14-19 in grades 8-12 completed Holland’s Vocational Interest Survey and the 4-H Career Decision Survey. Ordinal regression analysis indicated participation in 4-H had a positive impact on career decisions for students who participated in 4-H for two years (p< .038) and six years (p< .001). Significant differences were apparent with 80% of the racial/ethnic groups surveyed concerning a college fair’s impact on career choice and college major determination.

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Published

2010-09-01

Issue

Section

Feature Articles