Using a basic qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with five agents in North Dakota with a range of experiences and lengths of service to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of Common Measures, a set of survey instruments designed to assess the impact of the 4-H program. The study addresses the culture of North Dakota Extension’s views on evaluation and the implementation of Common Measures. The use of a state-wide reporting tool to assess the 4-H program in North Dakota was perceived as necessary, however, many agents felt Common Measures, missed the mark and did not meet the North Dakota reporting. The ability to tell the story of the 4-H program and the long-term impact it has on youth is necessary to the success of any state-wide reporting venture. Additional training on how alternative forms of data collection can be used to tell the story of their program is needed.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Junior Master Wellness Volunteer (JMWV) program on select positive youth development (PYD) outcomes among program participants. These outcomes included Competence in health literacy, Connection, Contribution, Character, and Confidence. Research questions were (1) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants’ Competency in health literacy? (2) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants’ perceived ability to Connect with and Contribute to their community? (3) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants' perceived Character or ability to engage in and understand their community? (4) Does participation in the JMWV program improve participants’ perceived self-efficacy (Confidence)? (5) Does participants’ delivery of the service component of the JMWV program relate to their perceived Connection, Contribution, Character, and Confidence? Secondary data from the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension were analyzed to determine the JMWV program's effectiveness on PYD outcomes. Data included responses to matched pre-tests and post-tests (n = 93), matched pre-surveys and post-surveys (n = 108), and activity reports forms (n = 50). Paired t-tests were used to examine the differences in Competence as measured by the pre-test and post-test scores and changes in other PYD outcomes as measured by the pre-survey and post-survey. Analysis, including paired sample ttests, indicated that JMWV participants had a statistically significant improvement in all four of the PYD outcomes in this study. A correlation analysis also indicated a positive but weak relationship between the reported number of service hours completed as part of the JMWV program and perceived Connections and Contributions (r = -.340, p < .05), Character (r = -.340, p < .01), and Confidence (r = -.307, p < .05) after the program. JMWV participants improved in Competency, Connections and Contributions, Character, and Confidence. The number of hours spent engaged in community service marginally contributed to improvements to select PYD outcomes. This study adds to the evidence that the JMWV program results in PYD.