Harrington, RebeccaSheehan, Trisha2010-02-262010-02-262009-10https://hdl.handle.net/11299/58534While the Minnesota 4-H Club program has been growing over the last five years, nearly 30% of youth do not re-enroll annually. Understanding why youth join, stay, and leave the 4-H program is important in developing strategies to increase the retention rate, ultimately 17 continuing the positive growth trend. The 4-H Retention Study, a joint effort between Extension in Minnesota and Wisconsin, began in the fall of 2007. The team developed a survey based on youth participation data, retention research, and staff observations. Minnesota conducted two on-line surveys, netting 325 responses. This poster will outline the study problem and methodology along with early results and key findings from Minnesota’s 4-H retention study data. Working with Dr. Dale Blyth, the research team has begun analysis and will share preliminary data. Results of interest include reasons youth join, stay and leave 4-H; satisfaction with Extension Office and 4-H club information; project meeting experiences; and comparing participation in youth activities beyond 4-H during and after 4-H participation. Results of the study will be used to increase the quality experience for 4-H members, develop tools as 4-H clubs work with new families, and inform the field of youth development in retaining youth in programs.en-USPresentation