Agriculture Education: Does it Last a Lifetime?: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring the Long-Term Impact of Agriculture Education on Program Alumni

Funding for agriculture education leadership development programs was challenged by the governor of California for lack of value. Little is known about the long-term impact of agriculture education's leadership development programs on alumni's lives post high school. The purpose of this mixed methods study examines how agriculture education programs impact the lives of alumni long term through the exploration of three research questions: 1. How has participation in agriculture education programs impacted the careers of program alumni? 2. How do the salaries of those who participated in agriculture education compare to those who did not participate in agriculture education? 3. Which agriculture education experiences do participants perceive as most impactful on their lives? A thorough examination of the pathway to career opportunities and life success through the agriculture education model, stages of youth development and career development theory served to guide this research. This study consisted of a quantitative portion that was administered via an online survey and a qualitative portion that was collected via online surveys and interviews. Analysis of the quantitative data indicated a positive correlation between participation in agriculture education and increased earnings. Additionally, seven findings emerged from the study: (a) increased earnings potential, (b) leadership skills, (c) communication skills, (d) business fundamentals, (e) employability traits, (f) personality traits, and (g) vocation-specific skills. Finally, the study resulted in recommendations for three populations: (a) departments of education and policymakers, (b) schools and school districts, and (c) parents and students.Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201