Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Agricultural & Extension Education (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology

Advisor/Mentor

Doss, William

Committee Member

McDonald, Garry V.

Second Committee Member

Cox, Casandra K.

Keywords

Agriculture education; Extension; Horticulture; Nonformal education; Public gardens; Youth programs

Abstract

Research shows a lack of educational programs for the adolescent audience at public gardens in the United States. Along with benefits that adolescent programs create for the institutions that offer them, there are also challenges associated with designing programs for this specific audience, and barriers preventing public gardens from offering them. There is little research related to adolescent programs at public gardens in the United States, aside from a 2010 study by Purcell et al. that explored the benefits, challenges, and barriers of adolescent programs. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of adolescent programs at public gardens in the United States, and provide an update on the benefits, challenges, and barriers that still exist. Additionally, this study wanted to understand benefits that adolescents gain from taking part in educational programs. Through a quantitative survey, representatives from public gardens under the American Public Gardens Association answered questions related to adolescent programs. Participants reported if their institution offers adolescent programs, what types of programs they offer, and the successes of their youth programs. Participants were asked to rate lists of benefits, challenges, and barriers of adolescent programs. Participants were also asked what benefits they perceived adolescents gained through participation in educational programs at public gardens. This study found the lack of programs for adolescents still exists. Researchers identified key benefits, challenges, and barriers associated with adolescent programs, along with key benefits these programs provide to adolescents. Key benefits to public gardens associated with adolescent programs were supporting the institutions mission and growth, building a new audience, building the strength of the community, and building interest in horticulture. Key challenges and barriers associated with adolescent programs were staff time, adolescent interest, funding, and expertise in working with adolescents. Key benefits to adolescents from taking part in programming were perceived to be forming connections with peers, learning social skills, and forming relationships with leaders.

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