Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Youth Development
4-H Youth Development
David Embrey and Bridgett Poteet (KSU 4-H Agent) and Laura-Grace Vincent (FCS/4-H)
Leadership
Agriculture
Family and Consumer Science
Science, Engineering, and Technology
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 2022 population data from Census data, 11% or roughly 1397 youth of the population living in households in Edmonson County are the recommended 4-H age range. Edmonson County lacks youth organizations and facilities that surrounding counties have. According to After School Alliance there are approximately 20 to 25 hours per week that children are out of school while most parents are at work, creating an “after-school gap.” In return, self-care and boredom can increase the likelihood that a young person will experiment with drugs and alcohol by as much as 50 percent. Youth tend to develop patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use - or nonuse – from ages 12 to 15. 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 a reduced risk of participating in risky behavior.
4-H alumni will participate as 4-H leaders and volunteers in programming, clubs, and councils.
Youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning.
Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in extension programming to serve in leadership roles throughout their lives and community.
INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES:
Youth will use decision making skills to make healthy and positive choices on a daily basis.
Youth will express themselves in a healthy and positive way to others in group settings and on an individual bases.
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 construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.
Practice healthy eating choices
INITIAL OUTCOMES:
Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process
Youth learn skills need to communicate with others.
Youth learn and develop life skills through 4-H.
Youth learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action.
Youth write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration.
Youth understand risky behaviors and their consequences.
EVALUATION:
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process, learn skills need to communicate with others,learn and develop life skills through 4-H, learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action,write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration,and understand risky behaviors and their consequences.
Indicator: Youth demonstrate an understanding of problem solving, goal setting, and communication skills.
Method: Written and verbal evaluations after the program.
Timeline: Up to 6 months after the educational program.
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use scientific decision making techniques to make decisions on a daily basis, will express themselves to others in group settings and on an individual bases, apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community, set and achieve goals through a 4-H program, construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing, and practice healthy eating choices.
Indicator: Youth apply skills gained in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community, achieve goals they have set, and improve their eating habits by making at least one healthy choice a day.
Method: Written and verbal evaluations
Timeline: 6 months -5 years.
Long-term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society,will have reduced risky behavior, 4-H alumni will participate and 4-H leader and volunteers in Edmonson County, and 4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning.
Indicator: The number of youth and young adults serving in community volunteer roles will increase, reported negative youth behavior issues in the school will decrease, 4-H alumni will start new 4-H Clubs or volunteer,and successfully hold employment or attend college/higher education.
Method: Written and verbal evaluations, school surveys.
Timeline: 6 years+
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Summer Camp
Inputs: Agents, Camp Staff, UK Cooperative Extension, 4-H Volunteers
Date: Summer 2025
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Horse Club
Content or Curriculum: Horse Leader Curriculum, Horse Achievement Level 1,2,3,4
Inputs: Certified Horse Leaders, Agents, UK Publications
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Speech & Communications Contest
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Speech & Communications Publications
Inputs: Agents, 4-H Volunteers, UK Publications
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Edmonson County Middle School
Project or Activity: Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: Reality Store
Inputs: Agents, Family Resource Center, Youth Service Center, Community Volunteers
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Agriculture
Inputs: Agents, 4-H and Community Volunteers
Date: Spring 2025
Author: Bridgett Poteet
Major Program: Natural Resources
Kentucky 4-H natural resource programs provide young people an opportunity to find their spark through hands-on learning experiences. A variety of projects and activities are offered in the areas of environmental sciences, entomology, forestry, geology, soils, water, wildlife, and shooting sports. Through these programs, young people connect with other youth members and adult leaders who share similar interests and learn invaluable life skills such as wise use of resources, communication, teamwo
