Using the Delphi Technique to Determine Challenges Facing Oklahoma’s 4-H Program

Kristin Young,Jon Ramsey,Dwayne Cartmell,Jeff Sallee

doi:10.5195/jyd.2019.740

Abstract

As youth development organizations continue to evolve and grow, professionals are faced with the challenges to address the ever-changing needs of their clientele. In order to maintain the longevity of the Oklahoma 4-H program, Extension professionals must address challenges prohibiting, discouraging, or discontinuing participation of youth, families, and volunteers in the program. Additionally, state administrators should examine the challenges their staff face in efforts to execute the mission of 4-H Youth Development. A modified Delphi technique was employed in this study to determine the challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H. Two expert panels were used in this study: Extension educators and 4-H volunteers (Panel 1) and 4-H parents (Panel 2). After 3 rounds of the Delphi technique, Panel 1 identified 11 challenges and Panel 2 identified 9 challenges facing Oklahoma 4-H in the next 5 years. There were 8 identical challenges identified by both panels. These 8 challenges represent priorities for Oklahoma 4-H to address. This study could be replicated in any state to confirm the challenges facing youth development organizations. This research study indicates these findings may be widespread and affect other youth development organizations across the nation beyond the Oklahoma 4-H program.

Highlights

Delphi Technique to Identify Program ChallengesIn 1909, the first Oklahoma 4-H club was organized, establishing the foundation for more than 100 years of positive youth development through the Oklahoma 4-H program (Stewart & Scheihing, 2010)
Existing as the educational youth program of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES), Oklahoma 4-H is rooted in agriculture
The commonality of findings among the 4-H educators (4-H agents), 4-H volunteers, and 4-H parents illustrates that the challenges 4-H faces from different angles, perspectives, and levels are very similar

Summary

Introduction

In 1909, the first Oklahoma 4-H club was organized, establishing the foundation for more than 100 years of positive youth development through the Oklahoma 4-H program (Stewart & Scheihing, 2010). Existing as the educational youth program of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES), Oklahoma 4-H is rooted in agriculture. From its early beginnings of corn, tomato, and canning clubs, Oklahoma 4-H has expanded beyond its agricultural groundwork (Stewart & Scheihing, 2010). “4-H activities don't teach youth skills in agriculture and home economics, but include non-formal, experiential educational programs that teach youth valuable life skills” More than 160,000 youth participate in Oklahoma 4-H activities and more than 3,000 volunteers devote their time to assist the program in executing its mission (Oklahoma 4-H, 2018b)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion