The career development experiences of rural youth are worthy of specialized attention from career counsellors. While rural youth share many commonalities with their urban counterparts, the rural experience presents distinctions that can influence their life-career decisions. To support career decision-making, career counsellors should be aware of…

This study is designed to include four waves of data collection, conducted approximately every other year, beginning in 2004 and continuing through 2011. This report briefly describes the procedures used for the third wave of data collection, completed in 2008-2009, and the results from a sample of Pennsylvania's rural 11th grade youth and youth…

In 2004, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania contracted with Pennsylvania State University to begin a longitudinal study of rural Pennsylvania school students to understand their educational and career aspirations and the factors influencing their aspirations, whether their plans change as they age and if they attain their goals. In its entirety,…

Results of a survey of White Appalachian and rural Black youth indicated that parents were the most frequent choice of these youth as significant others (SOs) for career decisions. Analyses for race differences in the SO choices of these young people failed to support "deficit" interpretations of the Black family. (Author/BL)

Six predictor variables (gender, race, disadvantage, postsecondary plans, vocational education, career indecision) were 75% accurate in identifying career maturity and immaturity among 90 economically disadvantaged rural ninth graders. Career indecision and race were most important for career immaturity, race and disadvantage for career maturity.…

Cluster-analytic technique classified 189 rural adolescents according to career indecision type as measured by Career Decision Scale. Resulting three-cluster solution described types of career indecision experienced by adolescents in early exploration stage. Clusters span continuum that includes tentatively decided-crystallizing preferences,…

The vocational choices (industrial and/or agricultural) of 863 adolescents from 4 rural Italian provinces of differing socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds were analyzed in terms of the motivational need underlying vocational choice. These provinces included the traditionally rural Cosenza in southern Italy, the more developed Treviso and Reggio…

A profile of 150 out-of-school rural Botswana youth revealed most were ages 16-18, 55% female, 52% with only primary education, and 60% unemployed. The majority chose farm occupations. Problems of rural areas included lack of educational and recreational facilities, employment security, health education, and access to land. Youth clubs, vocational…

Urban (n=51) and rural (n=43) high school seniors completed measures of career maturity and career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE). Career development attitude was the most significant predictor of CDMSE. Rural seniors scored significantly higher on career development knowledge. (SK)

In recent years, the emphasis of career education has been placed on career guidance at a much earlier age. The S-63 Southern Regional Research Committee designed three programs for use in a study about influences on occupational goals of youths in three subcultures (rural and urban Negro and Appalachian rural white). Since children most…

Examined differences in occupational aspirations, expectations, and anticipatory occupational goal deflection in rural Black, White, and Native American adolescents (N=520). Results indicated few ethnic differences in aspirations. Females aspired to higher level occupations but experienced expectations lower than aspirations more often than males.…

Examined relations between parent attitudes, intrinsic value of science, peer support, available activities, and preference for science careers for science-talented rural high school girls. Findings from questionnaires completed by 220 students and their mothers highlight the importance of providing activities and other supports to maintain girls'…

Comparison of 57 rural adolescents choosing agriculture careers with 474 who did not shows that (1) more males than females chose agriculture; (2) parents of students choosing agriculture were less likely to have high school education; (3) students whose fathers worked in service/labor/farming or who had lower socioeconomic status were more likely…

To provide farm employers with a clearer understanding of what is required to attract qualified people for responsible positions and agricultural students with an overview of substantial job opportunities in farm employment, this study summarized agricultural employment trends, reviewed research findings in occupational development, surveyed…

A survey of 124 African-American high school juniors and seniors in the rural South investigated factors related to interest in teaching as a career. Approximately one-third of participants indicated an interest in teaching; 75% of the rest were interested in health care professions or owning their own business. Nine data tables summarize results.…