Preparing young Americans with science and technology skills has been on the forefront of educational reform for several years, and Extension has responded. Robotics projects have become a natural fit for 4-H clubs, with members' experiences ranging from using Lego® Mindstorms® and other "purchase and assemble" robotics kits to building…

As part of an ongoing, multi-million dollar Wallace Foundation initiative to improve and expand arts learning opportunities for young people, the Wallace Foundation, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), developed the Youth Arts Initiative (YAI) to deliver otherwise inaccessible high-quality arts programs to low-income…

This study examined the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGC), and its Keystone Club (KC) component, on the leadership and citizenship development of its alumni. 14 alumni were interviewed using a structured interview technique. The constant comparative method was utilized to identify leadership traits and skills that alumni…

Physical education and sport are often critically evaluated for the potential impact they can have on the development of children, both from the perspective of health and the development of sporting talent. Reflecting these two important goals, this paper presents an evaluation of the efficacy of an evidence-based, educational and inclusive…

In response to the need for evidence of 4-H impact on youth development, a national, randomly selected adult sample--710 former 4-H members, 743 former members of other youth organizations, and 309 nonparticipants in youth organizations--was contacted by telephone in 1985. The life skills perspective was utilized to measure the impact of 4-H in…

A 1985 national study compared 710 former 4-H members, 743 former members of other youth organization, and 309 nonparticipants in youth organizations to determine impact of 4-H on youth development. The study measured 4-H program effectiveness in developing knowledge/skills, self-expression, and skills for helping others. The study found 4-H…