Benefits of Early Leadership Training for Adolescents

¶ … Leadership Training for Adolescents

The focus of this work is the examination of whether early youth leadership training for adolescents could be a vehicle to address these problems among youth in rural communities. This study is quantitative in nature and investigates the existence of current leadership training programs at primary and high schools. The effect of newly developed leadership training programs and their effect on selected study participants will be examined. The sampling in this study will involve various age groups between 12 and 18 years of age.

Research questions in this study include those stated as follows:

(1) What is the relationship between early leadership training and problem solving skills among rural youth?

(2) What is the relationship between early leadership training and self-esteem among youth?

(3) What is the relationship between early leadership training and enhancing leadership skills among rural youth?

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is the knowledge that will be added to the already existing base of knowledge in this area of inquiry.

Methodology

The methodology of this study is quantitative research that will involve a sampling of individuals ages 12 to 18 years of age.

Sampling

The sampling in this study is a group of individuals ages 12 to 18 years of age.

Literature Review

Rural areas throughout the United States and world have been "facing a unique paradox in recent years -- on the one hand, many areas have seen an increase in population due to retirees moving into the communities, but on the other hand, they have also lost significant numbers of youth and young adults. The loss of youth and young adults, often called the 'brain drain' is not all that new in rural communities." (Stiflier, 2010, p.1) It is reported that the reason that youth and young adults leave for education, jobs, and other reasons, sometimes urged to do so by their own communities." The lack of a younger generation is reported to hamper "the community's ability to survive and recover from economic downturns, engage in community and economic development, and remain competitive in an ever-changing global environment." (Stiflier, 2010, p.1)

In a report by the FAO on current programs and activities for youth through Government, NGO, and International Agencies, it is reported "Rural youth studies to define the problems and needs of rural youth and the adults that work with youth programs have been conducted in several countries. Most studies continue to identify lack of appropriate education and training and limited employment opportunities as the areas of greatest concern. All reports show that rural youth are well aware of their problems and have specific Ideas for solving them indicating the Importance of planning with youth and not for youth work." (FAO, nd, p.1)