Predicting Youth Life Leadership Skills Development Among Senior 4-H Members: A Tri-State Study

Abstract

Leadership development has been and continues to be a major goal of most youth programs. The 4-H youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service is no exception. The 4-H program states its mission as, “To help youth and volunteers in their development through educational programs using the knowledge base of the land grant universities of the United States (United States Department of Agriculture, 1986, p. 4). Commitment to the mission involves support of specific program objectives including helping youth develop leadership capabilities, personal standards and values, positive selfconcepts and effective communication skills. (United States Department of Agriculture, 1986, p. 5). As the world enters the 21st century, many youth programs, including 4-H are focusing on the effectiveness of their leadership training. A general perception prevails that participation in a variety of activities or programs such as public speaking or holding office develops leadership life skills and self-understanding. The question remains How accurate is this perception?