Vocational Education

A study ascertained the educational and occupational status of Ohio 4-H alumni and, in particular, their perceptions of the impact of 4-H on their career development. The population of t) study was 883 Ohio 4-H alumni from Hancock, Darke, Portage, and Licking counties who were 17- and/or 18-year-old members as of January 1, 1977, through January 1, 1979. A proportionate, stratified random sample of 275 subjects was selected from this population. An instrument developed by the researcher consisted of perceptual items concerning the impact of 4-H on career development, 4-H involvement, and educational/employment characteristics. In general, results indicated alumni felt that 4-H had much impact on their self-awareness, particularly concerning interests and abilities. They perceived 4-H as having some impact on their career awareness, exploration, and selection. Greatest impact was attributed to 4-H in general career awareness, and least impact in more specific areas of career exploration and selection. Alumni felt that 4-H had much impact on the development of general work competencies, but very little impact on the development of competencies geared toward getting a job. (YLB) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document.