From 4-H to Higher Education: College Enrollment among Indiana 4-H Alumni by Demographics

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Bibliographic Details
Title: From 4-H to Higher Education: College Enrollment among Indiana 4-H Alumni by Demographics
Language: English
Authors: Favour C. Ojike, Casey D. Mull
Source: Journal of Youth Development. 2025 20(4):1-22.
Availability: Clemson University Press. 116 Sigma Drive, Clemson, SC 29634. Tel: 864-656-2278; e-mail: cupress@clemson.edu; Web site: www.clemson.edu/press
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Youth Clubs, College Readiness, College Enrollment, Higher Education, Alumni, Enrollment Rate, Demography, Racial Differences, Gender Differences, Ethnicity, Counties, Place of Residence, High Schools, Military Service, High School Graduates
Geographic Terms: Indiana
ISSN: 2325-4009
2325-4017
Abstract: Evaluating the long-term impact of college readiness programs on diverse youth presents unique challenges, particularly as youth navigate the complex and often transient path of postsecondary education. Instrumentation limitations and resource constraints can further blur the positive contributions of such programs. In an inaugural study, Indiana 4-H leveraged the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to assess the postsecondary educational journeys of its alumni across diverse demographic groups. Data from the NSC were analyzed using descriptive frequency test, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis. Key findings reveal that Indiana 4-H alumni enroll in postsecondary institutions at significantly higher rates than the state average, highlighting the program's role in fostering college readiness. Moreover, this study demonstrates the value of the National Student Clearinghouse as a reliable data source for youth-serving organizations. By providing actionable insights, this research empowers youth development practitioners and stakeholders to validate the effectiveness of their efforts, improve programming, explore variations in college enrollment across demographic variables, and advocate for increased support for Positive Youth Development initiatives.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490633
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Evaluating the long-term impact of college readiness programs on diverse youth presents unique challenges, particularly as youth navigate the complex and often transient path of postsecondary education. Instrumentation limitations and resource constraints can further blur the positive contributions of such programs. In an inaugural study, Indiana 4-H leveraged the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to assess the postsecondary educational journeys of its alumni across diverse demographic groups. Data from the NSC were analyzed using descriptive frequency test, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis. Key findings reveal that Indiana 4-H alumni enroll in postsecondary institutions at significantly higher rates than the state average, highlighting the program's role in fostering college readiness. Moreover, this study demonstrates the value of the National Student Clearinghouse as a reliable data source for youth-serving organizations. By providing actionable insights, this research empowers youth development practitioners and stakeholders to validate the effectiveness of their efforts, improve programming, explore variations in college enrollment across demographic variables, and advocate for increased support for Positive Youth Development initiatives.
ISSN:2325-4009
2325-4017