Perceptions of Youth, Parents, Community Volunteers, Corporate Volunteers, and 4-H Professionals about the 4- H STEM Career Pathway Model

Abstract

This study sought to understand the 4-H STEM Career Pathway Model program, a three-year initiative to expose youth to college readiness skills, career readiness skills, STEM skills, and careers associated with high-demand STEM jobs such as computer scientists and engineers. The qualitative study described here used document reviews, observations, focus groups, and individual interviews. The initiative was conducted in 13 states, and research participants were 4-H youth, parents, corporate volunteers, community volunteers, and Extension 4-H professionals from a subset of those states. Findings were described in four major themes: (a) 4-H STEM programs were perceived as successful and engaging, yet participants described the need for more advanced experiences for youth; (b) 4-H STEM programs required considerable investment in partnerships as well as professional and volunteer development; (c) increased numbers of girls and minority youth were engaged in 4-H STEM programming when local role models and local partnerships were leveraged, and (d) the 4-H STEM Career Pathway Model needs clear concepts and definitions to be a sustainable approach in the 4-H movement. The major recommendation is an enhanced 4-H STEM Career Pathway Model that delineates outcomes. Additional recommendations include the need to provide effective volunteer and professional development and the need for outreach to corporate volunteers.