Merced County 4-H will join the national 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development in Spring 2008.
The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development is a longitudinal study funded by the National 4-H Council. The study is entering its fifth year and is led by Richard M. Lerner and Jacqueline V. Lerner at Tufts University. Researchers are using a longitudinal study so they can look at changes within the same group of children over time. Currently, about 4,000 diverse adolescents are participating in the study. The adolescents have varying levels of involvement in community-based programs, such as 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, and Scouting. Because it is a sequential longitudinal study, more youth are added each year in “waves.”
For the 2008 "wave" youth between 13 and 17 years old are the target with a main focus on 10 graders. A parent release form must be completed ahead of time and optional survey for parents is also encouraged. The students sign a form when taking the online survey, which will be given in a supervised group setting. A ten dollar gift card will be provided to those who complete the survey. Surveys are given annually for those who want to provide follow up information.
If you are interested in being part of this study as a youth or parent in Merced County you can contact the 4-H Office at 385-7418 or e-mail rlmahacek@ucdavis.edu or by completing this online interest form .