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

Authors

Bonita Williams, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Jody Thompson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Tonya Taylor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Karen Eley Sanders, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow

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.

Recommended Citation

Williams, Bonita; Thompson, Jody; Taylor, Tonya; and Sanders, Karen Eley (2010) "The Impact of a Youth Development Program on Secondary Students’ Career Aspirations," Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 5: Iss. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol5/iss3/8