Marion County CES

Title:

Youth Development Programming

MAP:

Empowering youth to reach their full potential

Agents Involved:

Danielle Ford, Christan Miracle

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

4-H Youth Development Programming

Situation:

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens

through non-formal education for the entire family. Extension agents and volunteers take the results of university research and explain it in such a way that different age groups can learn and apply the information to their own lives. 4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. According to 2014 population estimates (census.gov) there are 233, 463 youth living in households in KY in the recommended 4-H age range. Also, according to the Kentucky Department of Education (2014), the graduation rate for Kentucky students was 88.0 %, which did not meet the state goal.

Research also shows us developing a strong sense of personal identity, responsibility, caring, compassion and tolerance are essential first steps toward being engaged at the community level (National 4-H Council, 2014)

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of

our society. Youth will have reduced risky behavior now and in the future.

4-H alumni will be successful in a global society. 4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will use scientific decision making techniques to make decisions on a daily basis. Youth will express themselves to others in group settings and on an individual bases. Youth have a positive bond with a caring adult who believe in their success. Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community. Youth set and achieve goals through a 4-H program.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process.

Youth learn skills need to communicate with others. Adult mentors will understand elements of positive youth development. Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H. Youth learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process.

Indicator: Evaluation

Method: Evaluation

Timeline: Imeediately following the program

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use scientific decision making techniques to make decisions on a daily basis. ? Youth will express themselves to others in group settings and on an individual bases. ? Youth have a positive bond with a caring adult who believe in their success. ? Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other

activities at home, school and in the community. ? Youth set and achieve goals through a 4-H program

Indicator: Personal Interaction

Method: Personal Interaction

Timeline: 6 months to one year later

Long-term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of

our society. ? Youth will have reduced risky behavior now and in the future.

? 4-H alumni will be successful in a global society. ? 4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning.

Indicator: Personal interaction/ Observations

Method: Personal Interaction/ Observations

Timeline: 3-5 years later

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Youth, Cloverbuds, 4-H Volunteers, Community Partners

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp, 4-H Teen Council, State 4-H Teen Council, School Clubs, Project Days

Content or Curriculum: Natural Resources

Inputs: -County 4-H Youth Development Professionals

(Agents)

-Research-based curricula in seven Core Curriculum

areas

-Resources from Land-grant Universities

-Appropriate delivery modes for youth

-Financial support (county, state, & national)

State-based 4-H Youth Development Content

Specialists

-Trained Volunteers/Mentors

-Commitment to the positive development of youth

-Continued professional development for agents &

volunteers

Success Stories