Kentucky 4-H Programming Adaptability Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Induced Social Distancing

Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 5-12-2022

Major

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Minor

Chemistry

Examining Committee Member

Mike Gowen, M.A.

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, B.S., D.V.M.

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Rachel Guidugli, Ed.D.

Examining Committee Member

Dr. Jeff Osborne, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Abstract/Description

The research aims to examine Kentucky 4-H’s response to social distancing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Extension, including Kentucky 4-H, relies on many of the developmental skills to be fostered in face-to-face interactions, and has never faced the restrictions the pandemic placed on them. Extension agents broader than solely 4-H Extension Agents were forced to create novel curriculum adaptations to attempt to deliver the context at a similar level. The research will examine volunteers and parents of 4-H members’ responses to the adaptations that Kentucky 4-H Extension Agents made including but not limited to: methods of program deliverance pre- and post-pandemic restrictions, frequency of club/involvement pre- and post-pandemic restrictions, method of involvement pre- and post-pandemic restrictions, as well as an evaluation of Kentucky 4-H’s four guiding concepts for a positive youth development (belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity).

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