Abstract
Evaluating the long-term impact of college readiness programs on diverse youth presents unique challenges, particularly as youth navigate the complex and often transient path of postsecondary education. Instrumentation limitations and resource constraints can further blur the positive contributions of such programs. In an inaugural study, Indiana 4-H leveraged the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to assess the postsecondary educational journeys of its alumni across diverse demographic groups. Data from the NSC were analyzed using descriptive frequency test, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis. Key findings reveal that Indiana 4-H alumni enroll in postsecondary institutions at significantly higher rates than the state average, highlighting the program’s role in fostering college readiness. Moreover, this study demonstrates the value of the National Student Clearinghouse as a reliable data source for youth-serving organizations. By providing actionable insights, this research empowers youth development practitioners and stakeholders to validate the effectiveness of their efforts, improve programming, explore variations in college enrollment across demographic variables, and advocate for increased support for Positive Youth Development initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Ojike, Favour C. and Mull, Casey
(2025)
"From 4-H to Higher Education: College Enrollment Among Indiana 4-H Alumni by Demographics,"
Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 20:
Iss.
4, Article 2.
Available at:
https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol20/iss4/2
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Leadership Studies Commons
