Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Youth Development
Leadership Development
Elijah Wilson, Debbie Messenger, Chelsey Anderson
4-H Family and Consumer Science Core Curriculum
4-H Volunteer Programming
4-H Youth Development Programming
In 2013, the Extension Service in partnership with the Burkesville/Cumberland County Industrial Authority, Cumberland County Fiscal Court, City Council of Burkesville, and the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce hosted a series of community forums focused on how to improve the quality of life of local residents. The information collected from the forums plus data from an online questionnaire was used in the development of a community strategic plan that established 5 priorities for sustainable community development. Because of the need for future community leaders, one of the priorities in the plan is focused on promoting and expanding opportunities that foster positive youth development.
In the spring of 2016, as part of the Extension plan of work process, members of the Cumberland County 4-H program advisory committee (Cumberland County 4-H Council) revisited the community strategic plan and discussed ways to address ongoing community needs related to youth. The committee recommended that youth leadership development be included as the main component of the next 4-year plan of work.
The development of leadership contributes greatly to the positive development of young people and their communities. Scholars and youth development professionals agree that leadership development is an important, but often overlooked facet of youth development and education (MacNeil, 2000). Leadership skills, such as goal-setting, problem-solving and sound decision-making, are not just necessary for leaders-these skills are needed for success in today's world (MacNeil, 2000). Furthermore, helping young people develop leadership competencies makes them better able to solve community problems and enhances their civic participation (O'Brien & Kohlmeier, 2003). Young leaders also demonstrate higher career aspirations, increased self-esteem, and improved high school completion rates (Bloomberg, Ganey, Alba, Quintero, & Alcantara, 2003).
4-H is the largest youth development organization in the county and in the country. Leadership education is incorporated into all 4-H programs in Cumberland County. The Cumberland County 4-H program offers programs during the school day, afterschool and during the summer. 4-H members learn about the concept of leadership, their role as a leader, and how to effectively lead small groups and teams toward common goals within their community, county, state and beyond. 4-H members grow to become engaged leaders who can make a difference and they are the ones who will be tasked with solving national problems such as the need for more scientist and engineers, and the global issues of food security and world peace.
Youth will serve as leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
Youth will demonstrate the understanding of diversity, inclusivity and multiculturalism in their daily life.
Youth will identify and address critical issues that impact the community
Youth will be productive, contributing adults in the future.
Youth will choose a career paths in science, engineering or technology subject matter.
Youth will use science, engineering and technology to help solve the global problem of food insecurity
Youth will develop and practice effective communications and leadership skills needed to be successful in the workplace and school
Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives..
Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.
Teens will mentor younger 4-H’ers in science, engineering and technology programs.
Youth will raise livestock as of income for the family.
Youth will learn the communication, leadership and procedural skills that will allow them to run meetings
Youth learn new skills in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs.
Youth will be introduced to careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will practice scientific methods learned in 4-H SET programs.
Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
Youth will increase interest in pursuing a science, engineering and technology related careers
Youth will be introduced to careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Youth will have greater understanding of how food and fiber is produced
Initial Outcome: will have greater understanding of how food and fiber is produced
Indicator: # of youth who complete a livestock project
Method: ES-237 report
Timeline: In June of each program year
Initial Outcome: Youth will have increased interest in pursuing a science, engineering and technology related careers
Indicator: # of youth who report increased interest in SET as result of program participation
Method: Post participation questionnaire
Timeline: End of Middle School SET Program ( March of each school year)
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will indicate increased awareness of diversity issues in their community and personal lives..
Indicator: # of youth who report change in level of awareness of diversity issues
Method: Post participation questionnaire
Timeline: Measured on end of program year 4-H evaluation
Long-term Outcome: Youth will choose a career paths in science, engineering or technology subject matter.
Indicator: # of SET related college plans
Method: High School Senior Survey
Timeline: April of each school year
Long Term Outcome: Youth will serve as leaders in their communities, community organizations, and as mentors for younger youth.
Indicator: # of 4-H members who serve as an elected leader of a 4-H club
Method:Es-237 Report
Timeline: In June of each program year
Audience: Youth 9-18
Project or Activity: Speech and Demonstration Program
Content or Curriculum: Step Up to Leadership
Inputs: In school teachers, retired teachers, chamber of commerce
Date: Feb: Speech - March :Demonstration
Audience: Youth 9-18
Project or Activity: Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Resource Kit
Inputs: Volunteer Leaders, Youth Cost Share Funds, New Barn
Date: Monthly meetings year round
Audience: Youth 11-14 (Middle School Aged)
Project or Activity: Future Cities Engineering Program
Content or Curriculum: Future Cites Contest, Sim City Design Game
Inputs: Middle School STEM Teacher, SET grant, UK College of Engineering
Date: October - January - two days each week after school
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Volunteer Programming
Volunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks and possessing varied and rich knowledge, skills, and backgrounds (Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). Although highly valued, volunteer involvement does not guarantee achievement of Extension's goals and fulfillment of learners' needs (Bolton, 1992).
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky 4-H. The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success. Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The s
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills th
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Early in 1985, minority students in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University established the first campus MANRRS organization. Later that same year, the Michigan State group traveled to Penn State to encourage students to organize a similar group. The networking between students at the two universities and others of like mind at other universities has led to the formation of the national society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sc
