Effects of the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program on 4-H Youth and the Perceived Impact on Leadership Skills, Livestock Production Knowledge and Agricultural Career Development

Selected 4-H youth participated in the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program. Forty six youth attended one of the 2011 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses held on the campuses of Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University. The three-day short course is in an intense introduction of animal science principles delivered by university professors and staff, Texas AgriLife Extension faculty and industry representatives. Upon completing the short course, the students must contribute 30 hours to youth livestock projects and Texas animal agriculture. Two instruments were developed to evaluate the perceptions of the participants regarding their perceived impact of the program on: 1) livestock production knowledge gained, 2) career development, 3) understanding of higher education, and 4) leadership development. The students perceived the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program to increase their understanding of livestock production knowledge, career development, higher education and leadership development. The results of the study validate the need for advanced educational opportunities to develop high school aged 4-H members in the state of Texas.