Preparing for the Future: Evaluating the Employability Skills of 4-H Extension Agents

William Norris; Adebayo Adeoti; Jake Devine

doi:10.5032/jae.v66i4.3183

Authors

William Norris New Mexico State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0336-370X
Adebayo Adeoti Texas Tech University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2750-8406
Jake Devine New Mexico State University https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6580-7106

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v66i4.3183

Keywords:

Extension Agents, 4-H, Employability Skills

Abstract

The long-standing mission of 4-H has been to positively develop youth, assist them in career development, and provide high-impact experiences. The attrition of extension agents has substantially impacted this youth development goal. Although numerous reasons exist why extension agents are leaving the profession, a lack of employability skills could be a primary factor. Many agents struggle with managing key aspects of their position, including interpreting scientific information, communicating effectively, resolving conflicts, and managing volunteers. This study assessed the self-reported employability skills of New Mexico extension agents and examined how career stage affected perceptions of their abilities within each skill area. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, we distributed a survey to all extension agents (N = 49) in New Mexico who had a youth development appointment with 4-H. We received 19 responses, which equates to a 38.8% response rate. The results suggested that agents felt moderately to very confident in their employability skills, with the lowest-ranking skills being the use of technology, modifying systems, managing time and personnel resources, and applying mathematical and scientific concepts. The results also suggested a statistical difference in the perceptions of induction-stage agents and their non-induction-stage colleagues regarding some employability skill areas. Based on these results, we recommend providing professional development to agents to increase employability skills in selected areas.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Arnold, M. E. (2018). From context to outcomes: A thriving model for 4-H youth development programs. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 6(1), 141–160. https://doi.org/10.54718/NBNL5438 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54718/NBNL5438

Arnold, S., & Place, N. (2010). Influences on agricultural agents’ decisions to remain in an extension career. Journal of Agricultural Education, 51(2), 36–45. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2010.02036 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2010.02036

Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., Razavieh, A., & Sorensen, C. K. (2010). Introduction to research in education. Cengage Learning.

Benge, M., & Beattie, P. (2021). Challenges of early career extension agents in Florida. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2(1), 42–55. https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v2i1.87 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v2i1.87

Benge, M., Harder, A., & Goodwin, J. (2015). Solutions to burnout and retention as perceived by county extension agents of the Colorado State University extension system. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 3(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.54718/NSXN7559 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54718/NSXN7559

Bluman, A. G. (2004). Elementary statistics: A step by step approach. (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Borden, L. M., Perkins, D. F., & Hawkey, K. (2014). 4-H youth development: The past, the present, and the future. Journal of Extension, 52(4), 1–7. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol52/iss4/35 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.52.04.35

Butler, K. (2014). Raise: What 4-H teaches seven million kids and how its lessons could change food and farming forever. University of California Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520958982

Cavanagh, J., Burston, M., Southcombe, A., & Bartram, T. (2015). Contributing to a graduate-centered understanding of work readiness: An exploratory study of Australian undergraduate students' perceptions of their employability. International Journal of Management Education, 13(3), 278–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2015.07.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2015.07.002

Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method. John Wiley & Sons. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781394260645

Ellison, S. (2011). Effects of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension new agent training program on the retention of 4-H youth development extension agents [Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia]. https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/ellison_stacey_201108_mal.pdf

Garst, B. A., Hunnings, J. R., Jamison, K., & Hairston, J. (2007). Development of a comprehensive new 4-H extension agents training program using a multi-module approach and the 4-H professional research, knowledge, and competencies (4HPRKC) taxonomy. Journal of Extension, 45(1), 1–9. https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol45/iss1/5

Garton, B. L., & Robinson, J. S. (2006). Career paths, job satisfaction, and employability skills of agricultural education graduates. NACTA Journal, 50(4), 31-36. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43766170

Halbritter, A., Wallau, M., Benge, M., & Mackowiak, C. (2021). Identifying important skills and competencies needed for new Florida agriculture extension agents. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2(3), 61–71. https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v2i3.151 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v2i3.151

Hall, J. L., & Broyles, T. W. (2016). Leadership competencies of Tennessee extension agents: Implications for professional development. Journal of Leadership Education, 15(3), 187–200. https://doi.org/10.12806/V15/I3/R8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12806/V15/I3/R8

Harder, A., Gouldthrope, J., & Goodwin, J. (2015). Exploring organizational factors related to extension employee burnout. Journal of Extension, 53(2), 21. https://archives.joe.org/joe/2015april/a2.php DOI: https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.53.02.21

Hoover, T. S., Scholl, J. F., Dunigan, A. H., & Mamontova, N. (2007). A historical review of leadership development in the FFA and 4-H. Journal of Agricultural Education, 48(3), 100–110. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2007.03100 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2007.03100

Institute of Student Employers. (2018). The global skill gap in the 21st century. http://info.qs.com/rs/335VIN535/images/The%20Global%20Skills%20Gap%2021st%20Century.pdf.

Kelsey, K. D. (2020). The sharpening stone: A phenomenological study of the impact of a 4-H state-level leadership role on youth leadership and life skills development. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 8(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.54718/ICYS8304 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54718/ICYS8304

Kim, H. Y. (2019). Statistical notes for clinical researchers: The independent samples t-test. Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics, 44(3), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2019.44.e26 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5395/rde.2019.44.e26

Lakai, D., Jayaratne, K. S. U., Moore, G. E., & Kistler, M. J. (2014). Identification of current proficiency level of extension competencies and the competencies needed for extension agents to be successful in the 21st century. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 2(1), 71–89. https://doi.org/10.54718/UUTF8010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54718/UUTF8010

Landini, F., & Brites, W. (2018). Evaluation and impact of a reflective training process for rural extension agents. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 24(5), 457–472. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2018.1500922 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2018.1500922

Lindner, J. R., Murphy, T. H., & Briers, G. E. (2001). Handling nonresponse in social science research. Journal of Agricultural Education, 42(4), 43–53. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2001.04043 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2001.04043

Manuel, E. O. (2024). Investigating Administrator and Instructor Perceptions of Employability Skill Development in Oklahoma Technology Centers (Publication No. 31484700) [Doctoral dissertation, Oklahoma State University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis Global. https://www.proquest.com/docview/3142818563?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses

Martin, C., & Rusk, C. (2021). Youth livestock programs provide intangible benefits through life skill development. Animal Frontiers, 11(2), 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfab007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfab007

Movahedi, R., & Nagel, U. (2012). Identifying required competencies for the agricultural extension and education undergraduates. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 14(4), 727–742. https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7650-en.pdf

National 4-H Council. (2025a). 4-H History. https://4-h.org/about/history/

National 4-H Council. (2025b). What is 4-H? https://4-h.org/about/

New Mexico State University. (2025). About 4-H. https://nm4h.nmsu.edu/about.html

New Mexico State University. (2024). The NM EDGE. https://nmedge.nmsu.edu/

New Mexico State University. (2023). 2023 4-H forever annual report. https://nm4h.nmsu.edu/documents/2024-2023-Annual-Report.pdf

Norris, S. L., Murphrey, T. P., & Leggette, H. R. (2019). Do they believe they can communicate? Assessing college students' perceived ability to communicate about agricultural sciences. Journal of Agricultural Education, 60(4), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.04053 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.04053

Norris, W., & Norris-Parish, S. L. (2024). Employing the next generation: Defining the need for employability skills integration through the lens of school district superintendents. Journal of Research in Technical Careers, 8(2), 17–31. https://doi.org/10.9741/2578-2118.1156 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9741/2578-2118.1156

Norris, W., Swortzel, K., & McCubbins, O. (2023). A quantitative analysis of the perceptions of CTE administrators on the integration of employability skills into agricultural education. Journal of Agricultural Education, 64(3), 243–260. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v64i3.85 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v64i3.85

Parrella, J. A., Esquivel, C., Leggette, H. R., & Murphrey, T. P. (2024). Preparing agricultural leaders: An assessment of agricultural students’ perceived importance and development of employability skills. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, 30(2), 233–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2023.2179086 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2023.2179086

Perkins Collaborative Resource Network. (2022). Employability Skills Framework. https://cte.ed.gov/initiatives/employability-skills-framework

Phelps, E., Balsano, A. B., Fay, K., Peltz, J. S., Zimmerman, S. M., Lerner, R. M., & Lerner, J. V. (2007). Nuances in early adolescent developmental trajectories of positive and problematic/risk behaviors: Findings from the 4-H study of positive youth development. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 16(2), 473–496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2006.11.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2006.11.006

Rasmussen, W. D. (1989). Taking the university to the people: Seventy-five years of cooperative extension. Iowa State University Press.

Robinson, S. J., & Garton, B. L. (2008). An assessment of the employability skills needed by graduates in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri Journal of Agricultural Education, 49(4), 96–105. http://dx.doi.org/10.5032/jae.2008.04096 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2008.04096

Ross, K. M., & Tolan, P. (2017). Social and emotional learning in adolescence: Testing the CASEL model in a normative sample. Journal of Early Adolescence, 38(8), 1170–1199. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431617725198 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431617725198

Roth, J. L., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2015). Evaluating youth development programs: Progress and promise. Applied Developmental Science, 20(3), 188–202. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2015.1113879 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2015.1113879

Scholl, J., & Munya, C. (2004). Establishing a 4-H research base of graduate studies. Journal of Extension, 42(5), 1–7. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol42/iss5/10

Scott, M., Swortzel, K. A., & Taylor, W. N. (2005). Extension agents’ perceptions of fundamental job characteristics and their level of job satisfaction. Journal of Southern Agricultural Education Research, 55(1), 88–101. http://jsaer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Volume-55-Full-Issue.pdf

Smith-Lever Act of 1914, 7 U.S.C. § 341 (1914). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican05301914-341supp

Stafford, J. R., Boyd, B. L., & Lindner, J. R. (2003). The effects of service learning on leadership life skills of 4-H members. Journal of Agricultural Education, 44(1), 10–21. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2003.01010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2003.01010

Strong, R., & Harder, A. (2009). Implications of maintenance and motivation factors on extension agent turnover. Journal of Extension, 47(1), 1–8. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol47/iss1/1

Weeks, K. J., Lawver, R. G., Sorensen, T. J., & Warnick, B. K. (2020). Do teachers have the skills: 21st century skills in the agricultural education classroom? Journal of Agricultural Education, 61(4), 127–142. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.04127 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.04127

Windon, S. R., Cochran, G. R., Scheer, S. D., & Rodriguez, M. T. (2019). Factors affecting turnover intention of Ohio State University extension program assistants. Journal of Agricultural Education, 60(3), 109–127. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.03109 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.03109

Worker, S. M. (2014). Evaluating adolescent satisfaction of a 4-H leadership development conference. Journal of Extension, 52(2), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.52.02.09 DOI: https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.52.02.09