Supporting military-connected teens to thrive: A qualitative evaluation of a leadership program from the perspective of teens and adult advisors
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Parry, B. J., Patino, M., Garst, B. A., Bowers, E. P., Quinn, W. H., & Heffington, L. E. (2023). Supporting military-connected teens to thrive: A qualitative evaluation of a leadership program from the perspective of teens and adult advisors. Applied Developmental Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2023.2265813
Abstract Created by REACH:
This retrospective study explored the experiences of former participants of the Military Teen Ambassador (MTA) Steering Committee. MTA, a positive youth development program, offers an annual 4-day training event that the youth-led Steering Committee plans and delivers. 7 military-connected young adults who were teens at the time of their involvement with MTA, along with 8 adult advisors who had served on the Steering Committee, were interviewed about their perceptions of the program and the benefits they gained from participating. Overall, the combination of the participants’ strengths and the perceived program assets, such as hands-on learning and a supportive environment, was attributed to positive developmental outcomes.
Focus:
Youth
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Child of a service member or veteran
Civilian
Population:
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Parry, Benjamin J., Patino, Maira, Garst, Barry A., Bowers, Edmond P., Quinn, William H., Heffington, Leslie E.
Abstract:
For teens growing up in military-connected families, challenges relating to relocation, parental deployment, and reintegration add layers of stress to an already complex time of life. Out-of-school time programs provide military-connected teens opportunities to utilize existing strengths, develop new skills, and build support networks, as exemplified in the Military Teen Ambassador (MTA) program – a positive youth development program developed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in collaboration with the US Armed Forces. This study investigates the developmental benefits experienced by the teens serving on the MTA Steering Committee – a youth-adult collaboration designed to plan and deliver the MTA program. Interviews with teen and adult participants were analyzed through the lenses of relational developmental systems theory and a structured evaluation framework. Findings contribute insights into developmental processes and outcomes for programs targeting military-connected youth and provide applied implications that extend to broader youth and adult populations.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Routledge
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
military-connected families, Military Teen Ambassador, MTA program
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: