INCREASING CIVIC AWARENESS IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
4-H & Youth
Chris Bruynis
Associate Professor, Extension Educator & Area Leader
Ohio State University Extension
Chillicothe
Abstract
Research has shown that in the rural areas of the Corn Belt, the levels of civic engagement are decreasing leaving communities struggling to find the future leaders. This issue was recognized in Wyandot County, prompting community leaders and OSU Extension staff to create programming to connect students with the local civic structure. The program goal was to identify the high school sophomores with the capacity to become community leaders that were likely to return or remain in the community upon the completion of their formal education and give them an opportunity to develop leadership skills as well as solid community linkages to the local political structure. This was completed through a variety of educational sessions, field study assignments, and a team community service project. Upon the completion of the program, a retrospective pre/post test using a 6 point Likert scale was used to measure civic responsibility awareness. Measures from the past 12 years indicate that students increased their awareness of their civic responsibility by an average of almost 2 points (1.96) with a mean post-test score of 5.32. In addition to the evaluation results, school leaders indicate that many students, upon completing the leadership program, are taking on leadership roles in the school community. Graduates from the first program are now 27 years old and are becoming active in the community through involvement in civic groups such as Rotary and Lions clubs, as well as their leadership at their places of employment.
Authors: Bruynis PhD, C. L.
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Bruynis PhD, C. L. Assistant Professor, Extension Educator & County Extension Director, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43351