Extension has recently begun delivering physical activity programs, but delivering evidence-based interventions is a challenge. To increase adoption of evidence-based interventions, a better understanding of agents' perceptions and needs is necessary. The purpose of this research was to conduct a readiness assessment to identify organizational…

As internal evaluators for the 4-H program in two states, we simultaneously yet independently began to change the way we approached our evaluation practices, turning from evaluation capacity building (ECB) efforts that prepared educators to define and measure program outcomes to strategies that engage educators in defining and measuring program…

This article reports the results of an evaluation of the YA4-H! Youth Advocates for Health--Teens as Teachers program. Consistent with previous research on the impact of teen teaching, the teens participating in the program gained confidence and skill with regard to teaching younger youths. The program also affected the teens' understanding that…

We present the results of a longitudinal evaluation of the Western Region 4-H Institute, a 5-day training program designed to enhance the skill sets of early-career Extension professionals organized around the 4-H professional research, knowledge, and competencies model. Programs such as this often are assessed for their short-term relevance and…

This article examines Extension professionals building community capacity in 10 counties across five Appalachian states in response to the talent crisis in the United States information technology (IT) workforce. The goal has been to transfer IT knowledge and create a supportive environment to foster interest in IT careers among underserved girls…

In response to budgetary constraints, a new staffing structure, the Pilot Leadership Plan, was proposed for California's 4-H Youth Development Program. County clusters were formed, each led by a coordinator. The plan was piloted for 2 years to provide insight into how county clustering could support Extension staff to increase and enhance program…

In 2006, 4-H National Headquarters and National 4-H Council introduced an initiative aimed at increasing the number and quality of science, engineering, and technology programs that 4-H offers around the country, and increasing the number of youth involved in these programs. By engaging youth in informal science educational opportunities through…

In 2006 4-H National Headquarters at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National 4-H Council introduced a new initiative aimed at increasing the number and quality of science, engineering, and technology programs that 4-H offers around the country, and increasing the number of youth involved in these programs. By engaging youth in informal…

With the support of the Noyce Foundation, National 4-H Council has contracted with Policy Studies Associates (PSA) to evaluate the implementation of the 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Initiative. The goals of this initiative are to increase the number and quality of science, engineering, and technology programs that 4-H offers…

General conclusions and recommendations resulting from a second in-depth evaluation of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program of the Cooperative Extension Service, conducted 1 April 1970 through 31 March 1971, are presented. Evaluation data were collected from Extension personnel associated with the program and from local and state…

WISCONSIN COUNTY EXTENSION PERSONNEL IDENTIFIED THEIR OWN TRAINING NEEDS BY RANKING 55 ITEMS CONSIDERED TO BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KNOWLEDGES, UNDERSTANDINGS AND METHODS WHICH COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE PERSONNEL SHOULD POSSESS IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE SCOPE REPORT. RESPONDENTS CONSIDERED TWO QUESTIONS FOR EACH ITEM-- (1) HOW IMPORTANT IS…

This study tested the effectiveness of the Four-H TV Action series broadcast over several Wisconsin commercial stations for school children in grades 4-6. Data were sought on patterns of participation, effects of related classroom activities and personal maturity on learning, and the extent to which youth can learn about emergency preparedness…

Evaluation was part of the planning process for a Western 4-H Institute, an intensive, multi-state training for relatively new extension staff with 4-H responsibilities. Training content was diverse, but it focused on enhancing agents' professionalism and strengthening the 4-H club program. The evaluation measured training impacts on participants…

This compilation includes abstracts of 165 research and development studies in agricultural education completed during the period July 1, 1978, to June 30, 1979. Fifty-three of the compiled studies represent staff research, seventy-eight represent master's theses, and thirty-four represent doctoral dissertations. Studies are arranged…

This compilation includes abstracts of 140 research and development studies in agricultural education completed during the period July 1, 1977 to June 30, 1978. Thirty-three of the completed studies represent staff research, fifty-six represent master's theses, and fifty-one represent doctoral dissertations. Studies are arranged alphabetically by…