Barren County CES

Title:

4-H and Youth Development

MAP:

Enhancing Youth Development

Agents Involved:

Tarry, Schalk, Stith, Drake

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)

In order to provide the best opportunities for current and future success, youth need to develop personal capacity life and leadership skills. They need to learn to interact with others and to make a difference by becoming engaged members of their communities. In order for youth to be prepared to work in partnership with adults, they need to develop and/or enhance their leadership skills. Youth development education prepares youth to manage time, work as a team, set goals, start conversations, facilitate meetings, and make effective presentations. Promoting youth development is a great way to promote positive life skills learning.

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:

Outcome: Youth will demonstrate contributions to community and society

Indicator: Number of individuals in vital roles for their families and communities

Method: observation

Timeline: : July – June

Outcome: Youth will demonstrate learned behaviors

Indicator: Number of youth serving in leadership roles

Method: observation

Timeline: July - June

Outcome: Youth will gain personal development skills

Indicator: Number of youth participating in activities and programs

Method: observation, survey

Timeline: July - June

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H participation in projects, programs, and activities demonstrating their leadership and communication skills such as: 4-H Achievement Program, Scholarship Programs, Judging Contests, Communications, Camps, Shows, Workshops, Contest, 4-H A Capitol Experience, Day Camps, Leadership Programs, and Service Learning.

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Resources, Volunteers, Community Groups and Organizations

Date: July – June

Audience: 4-H Program Participants, Parents, Volunteers

Project or Activity: Awards and Recognition

Content or Curriculum: Awards, scholarships

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations,

Date: July-June

Audience: 4-H Program Participants, Parents and Volunteers

Project or Activity: Science, Engineering & Technology Training on Global Positioning Systems, Robotics

Content or Curriculum: 4-H and approved EIPN curriculum

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations, Youth Service Council

Date: Programs conducted in schools and community as requested

Audience: 4-H Program Participants, Parents and Volunteers

Project or Activity: 4-H Communication Programs and Expressive Arts (4-H Talk Meet Workshop and Contest, 4-H Demonstrations Workshop and Contest, 4-H Horse Public Speaking and Demonstrations, 4-H Country Ham Public Speaking, 4-H Variety Show)

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Communication Curriculum

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations, Youth Service Council

Date: March, April, May

Audience: 4-H Program Participants, Parents and Volunteers

Project or Activity: 4-H Public Advocacy and Leadership programs - 4-H Teen Leadership Programs, 4-H A Capitol Experience, Barren County Citizenship Day, 4-H Citizenship Programs, 4-H Service Learning programs; County 4-H Officer Training

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations, Youth Service Council

Date: July-June

Audience: Resource deprived youth

Project or Activity: 4-H and Extension Workshops, Activities and Camps

Content or Curriculum: SNAP, 4-H, Natural Resources, Horticulture, EFNEP

Inputs: Agents, Assistants, Teen 4-H Leaders, Community Partners

Date: June

Success Stories