During the decades of the '70s and '80s, most Extension educators who gave leadership to 4-H youth development programs have been playing catchup. Most frequently trained in technical agriculture or home economics disciplines, some feel that what they needed to know entering the field didn't match their preparation. A fairly superficial level of knowledge is required by the agent in project subject matters.
Most knowledge can be and is acquired on the job.
More projects exist than can be mastered and agents rely on local experts, volunteers, or other university departments as ready references. An emphasis away from subject-matter content occurs in youth of junior high age. It's important to remember that the readily accessible knowledge base was investigated and not individual skill levels. Type of academic degree. Years as an Extension educator.