Content area
The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to explore how youth program personnel describe their perspective on program components and professional development training that help break barriers and develop staff relational practices to form positive social interaction between staff and youth in high-quality, highly rated, and high-standards programs at the low-income area’s rural counties northeastern region of the United States. Two research questions included “How do youth program personnel describe their perspective on program components that help break barriers and develop staff relational practices to form positive social interaction between staff and youth in high-quality, highly rated, and high-standards programs?” and “How do youth program personnel describe their perspective on professional development training that help break barriers and develop staff relational practices to form positive social interaction between staff and youth in high-quality, highly rated and high-standards programs.” The study sample was personnel for 11 semi-structured individual interviews and 4 program personnel directors for the focus group. Thematic analysis identified five themes for research question one: (1) program planning as essential, (2) value in mentorship, (3) networking with the community, (4) differentiation of engaged activities, and (5) building positive relationships as a necessity. Three themes addressed research question two: (1) the value of teaching skills, (2) additional training, resources, and previous experiences help break barriers, and (3) utilization of the Five Cs to build relationships. The findings could be helpful to youth organizations revamping their program or starting a youth program in their community.