ERIC Number: ED641500
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jan
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Quasi-Experimental Evidence Reporting Enhanced Protective Factors Resulting from Participation in Youth Assets for a Healthy Adolescence - Experiential Prevention (AHA-EOSL)
Rita O'Sullivan
Online Submission
Assets for a Healthy Adolescence - Experiential Outdoor Service Learning (AHA-EOSL) Program, provided by Rocky Mountain Youth Corps-CO (RMYC), engaged 165 youth during summer 2021 in Youth Crews (ages 14-18) who worked together in 8-10 member crews for two or five weeks and performed meaningful conservation and service projects. RMYC focused on enhancing eight protective factors along with reductions in alcohol and marijuana use: 1. Planning and Decision Making, 2. Interpersonal Skills, 3. Peer/Social Support, 4. Resiliency, 5. Enhanced Self-efficacy, 6. Leadership, 7. Civic Engagement, and 8. Alcohol and Drug Expectations. A quasi-experimental crossover design revealed that all eight factors showed effect size differences of 0.25 or greater, which indicated strong program outcomes. Additionally, while upon entrance more than 80% of the participants reported no use of either alcohol or marijuana in the past 30 days, at exit, among those who did report use, greater than 70% reported reduced use. [This report was commissioned by Rocky Mountain Youth Corps-CO.]
Descriptors: Adolescents, Service Learning, Conservation Education, Daily Living Skills, Community Programs, Summer Programs, Transitional Programs, Positive Behavior Supports, Program Effectiveness, Decision Making, Interpersonal Relationship, Skill Development, Resilience (Psychology), Self Efficacy, Leadership, Citizen Participation, Prevention