Mercer County CES

Title:

Acquisition of Life Skills

MAP:

Resource Management and Life Skill Development

Agents Involved:

Dana Anderson, Luci Hockersmith

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

4-H Youth Development Programming

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Real Skills for Everyday Life

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Communications and Expressive Arts 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

Situation:

Adults and youth need to develop life skills that improve their well-being and help them function effectively within their families and in society. By improving self-esteem and establishing creative outlets, individuals will have a better sense of self and increased self-confidence. 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 5,998 youth living in households in Mercer County. 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). Enhanced skills will make them more productive citizens who are catalysts for change and help them handle challenges that may arise. The Mercer County 4-H Council and Mercer County Extension Council expressed their support for activities that can enhance life skills.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth and adults will:
• Contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society
• Will have reduced risky behavior now and in the future.
• Gain communication and decision-making skills that allow them to successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher
• Utilize life skills gained through education and Extension programs to reach their full potential as individuals, family members, and citizens in the community.
• Knowledge and experience gained will have a lasting effect on the decision making processes used throughout the life of the participant.
• Will be able to set financial goals for themselves and develop a plan to meet those goals.
• Residents will learn how to save money, increase efficiency as result of practices implemented.
• Increase their knowledge of issues that affect them and the community to make them better citizens and improve their current living situation.
• Youth will become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will:
• Use scientific decision making techniques to make decisions on a daily basis
• Express themselves to others in group settings and on an individual basis
• Establish a positive bond with a caring adult who believe in their success
• 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 with a clear introduction, body and closing
• Make a presentation before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting), a school or county qualifying event
• Demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups
• Use communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organization

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will:
• Gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process
• Learn skills need to communicate with others
• Adult mentors will understand elements of positive youth development
• Learn and develop life skills though 4-H
• Learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action
• Research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration
• Write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration
• Create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the written outline
• Be prepared to present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting) and a school or county qualifying event;

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will be able to live independently, and will be able to complete basic tasks for everyday living
Indicator: Number of participants indicating change in behavior
Method:Immediate written evaluation and testimonials
Timeline: On-going

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will improve their personal communication skills
Indicator: Change in participants ability to communicate interpersonal settings
Method: Testimonials of participants, teachers and parents
Timeline: on-going

Long-term Outcome: Knowledge of financial responsibility and management
Indicator: Plans to change spending habits and savings
Method: Electronic evaluation of program participants
Timeline: on-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Public Speaking classroom and county-wide contests
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Public Speaking curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, teachers, parents, schools, Cooperative Extension facility
Date: November - March

Audience: Youth 8th grade
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Reality Store Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers
Date: February - April

Audience: Youth 10th grade
Project or Activity: Job Prep
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Workforce Prep Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers, community & business leaders
Date: February - April

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Dollars Sense Program
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Dollars Sense Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers
Date: January - March

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: American Private Enterprise System & Kentucky Youth Seminar
Content or Curriculum: Personal Finance
Inputs: Extension Staff, Cooperative Extension Facility, Volunteers, Schools, Guidance Counselors, local businesses/industry
Date: January - June

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Camping (5-day & Cloverbud)
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Camp Facilities, Camp Staff
Date: January - June-July

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Sew What?
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Clothing Resources
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Extension Facility
Date: On-going - monthly programs

Audience: Youth (13+)
Project or Activity: Babysitting Clinic
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Babysitting Basics
Inputs: Extension Staff, Kiwanis, CPR/First Aid Instructor, local day cares
Date: Fall Break/October

Activity: Media (news articles, newsletters, social media - Facebook)
Content or Curriculum: Exclusives, 4-H Agent News Releases, publications, HEEL materials, etc.
Inputs: Extension Staff, University of Kentucky Ag Communications
Date: Year-long (on-going)

Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Volunteer leaders, local schools, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals
Facilities used will include the Mercer County Extension Office
Date: Summer

Success Stories