Long-Term Outcomes of Youth Development Programs: California 4-H Alumni Study

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Abstract

Engagement in youth development programs should influence outcomes as young adults. Theoretical literature advances broad indicators that mark success in young adulthood; however, there is a dearth of empirical publications reporting on long-term outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study to report on three long-term outcomes (economic stability, health and well-being, and community involvement) of young adult (aged 19 to 34) alumni of the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. We compared 4-H alumni outcomes to matched peers using secondary data sources. The 4-H alumni sample demonstrated more positive results than the comparison samples on almost all indicators (except family income). We sought ways to overcome the biases inherent in this type of research and encourage future empirical research.

Authors

• Steven M. Worker, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Roshan Nayak, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Anne M. Iaccopucci, University of California - Davis

• Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, 4-H Youth Development