Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth as Successful Adults
Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer Awareness
Shelley Crawford
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Communications
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
Family and Consumer Science
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. 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 the data Trigg County data profile provided in the 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment report, 2,606 Trigg residents are between the ages of 5 and 19. 956 of the young people live in households that have received supplemental security income, cash public assistance, or SNAP benefits in the past 12 months. The graduation rate in Trigg County is 95.1, which is higher than the state rate of 91%. However the transition readiness rate for the secondary school is 56.2%. 4-H youth development programs develop not only life skills, but also the soft skills which employers desire such as communications skills, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving and conflict resolutions. 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).
- Youth will contribute to self, family, community and 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 post-secondary education or the workplace.
- 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
- 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.
Outcome:Youth gain knowledge and skills through participation in 4-H Youth Development Projects
Indicator: Youth who complete 4-H Youth Development project work
Method: 4-H Common Measures Universal Survey, project evaluations
Timeline: at the end of the project
Outcome: Youth express themselves effectively in group situations
Indicator: Youth participate in 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts projects
Method: 4-H Common Measures Universal Survey; project evaluations
Timeline: at the end of the project
Outcome: Youth will transition successfully into adult life
Indicator: Number of 4-H participants who go on to post-secondary education, work force, or military
Method: self-reporting
Timeline: one year after high school graduation
Audience: Club members
Project or Activity: school, project clubs
Content or Curriculum: 7 core curriculum areas
Inputs: agents, volunteers, teens
Date: on-going
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Applications/interviews, achievement applications
Content or Curriculum: world of work
Inputs: agents, volunteers, teachers, teens
Date: on-going
Audience: Club Members
Project or Activity: Vet science, Ham project, livestock, horse and other animal science projects
Content or Curriculum: National & Kentucky project books
Inputs: agents, volunteers
Date: on-going
Audience: Club Members, volunteers
Project or Activity: shooting sports
Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H shooting sports guidelines
Inputs: certified volunteers, agents, parents
Date: year round
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Leadership
Empowering Future Leaders: Teen Leadership Academy Cultivates Middle School LeadersAccording to recent studies, students who develop leadership skills in middle school are 70% more likely to excel in high school and beyond. The Teen Leadership Academy (TLA), a middle school 4-H leadership program, has proven to be a catalyst for such development among young learners.The TLA program, designed for middle school students, selects four students from each participating school to engage in a comprehen
Author: Shelley Crawford
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Teen Conference 2024Success StoryThe 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to becom
