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Challenges and Opportunities to Latino Youth Development

Increasing Meaningful Participation in Youth Development Programs

University of Arizona

Daniel F. Perkins

The Pennsylvania State University

Francisco A. Villarruel

Michigan State University

Annelise Carleton-Hug

Montana State University

Margaret R. Stone

University of Arizona

Joanne G. Keith

Michigan State University

This study examines the cultural and contextual factors that influence Latino participation in youth programs. Although youth programs are increasingly recognized for their positive influences, little is known about the factors that influence a young person’s decision to participate. In this study, 67 Latino youth were asked about the reasons youth choose to and choose not to participate. Utilizing the Concept Systems method, youth participated in three phases of data collection—brainstorming, sorting, and ranking—to provide an in-depth understanding of reasons for and barriers to participation. Overall, youth ranked personal development and confidence as their top reasons for participation. Participants also ranked factors for participation higher than barriers to participation. Gender and intergenerational differences are discussed in more detail.

Key Words: Latino youth • youth development • youth programs • participation

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				D. F. Perkins, L. M. Borden, F. A. Villarruel, A. Carlton-Hug, M. R. Stone, and J. G. Keith Participation in Structured Youth Programs: Why Ethnic Minority Urban Youth Choose to Participate--or Not to Participate Youth Society, June 1, 2007; 38(4): 420 - 442. [Abstract] [PDF]