Improving Point-of-Service Quality of Youth Programs Through Structuring the Immediate Experience

Abstract

The effects of four strategies for structuring point-of-service encounters on quality of youth experiences were evaluated. Structuring strategies evaluated include: (1) use of theme; (2) appealing to multiple senses; (3) adding unanticipated, value-added take-away gifts; and (4) personalizing experiences. A questionnaire was used to measure five facets of youth experience quality: perceived value, engagement, prevalence of deep structured experience, delight, and meaningfulness. Thirty members of a Texas 4-H Special Interest (SPIN) club participated in the study. Club members participated in a series of eight meetings of up to three hours each. Each meeting was staged with a unique combination of the four strategies, based on an orthogonal (Taguchi) design. The hypothesis tested was that each of the four structuring strategies increases youth experience quality. Results reveal structuring strategies that can be used to increase youth program quality and thereby reduce attrition in youth programs. Conclusions suggest these structuring strategies can engage more youth within a Positive Youth Development framework.