Abstract
Increased parent and guardian involvement in youth Extension programs could help improve youth’s academics and enhance Extension programs. This study was designed to help determine the logistical factors and barriers that prevent parents and guardian from attending Extension programs with their youth. A researcher-developed questionnaire asked parents/guardians for their insight on logistical factors, barriers, their preferred modes of communication, and their personal involvement in Extension programs in Idaho.
The population of this study was N = 1025 participants who were parents/guardians of youth participating in youth Extension events in the state of Idaho. Results from this study included three of the largest barriers preventing parents and guardians from attending Extension events, the top three included: dates, times, and fees or cost. Preferred modes of communication determined that parents and guardians prefer to be contacted by Extension staff via email, at 4-H club meetings, and face-to-face.
Combining the most preferred modes of communication to reach parents and guardians could help increase attendance and involvement from parents. Reducing barriers of dates and times by scheduling events during parent/guardian most available times, Monday nights and Saturday mornings, could increase involvement from parents and guardians with youth involved in Extension programs. Implications from this study could increase parent and guardian involvement in Extension programs. Follow up research could help determine more barriers and logistical factors of parent/guardian involvement that could further increase parent and guardian involvement in youth Extension programs.