Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Development Programming
Empowering youth to reach their full potential
Danielle Ford, Christan Miracle
4-H Youth Development Programming
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)
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.
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.
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process.
Indicator: Evaluation
Method: Evaluation
Timeline: Imeediately following the program
Intermediate Outcome: 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
Indicator: Personal Interaction
Method: Personal Interaction
Timeline: 6 months to one year later
Long-term Outcome: 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.
Indicator: Personal interaction/ Observations
Method: Personal Interaction/ Observations
Timeline: 3-5 years later
Audience: 4-H Youth, Cloverbuds, 4-H Volunteers, Community Partners
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp, 4-H Teen Council, State 4-H Teen Council, School Clubs, Project Days
Content or Curriculum: Natural Resources
Inputs:
-County 4-H Youth Development Professionals
(Agents)
-Research-based curricula in seven Core Curriculum
areas
-Resources from Land-grant Universities
-Appropriate delivery modes for youth
-Financial support (county, state, & national)
State-based 4-H Youth Development Content
Specialists
-Trained Volunteers/Mentors
-Commitment to the positive development of youth
-Continued professional development for agents &
volunteers
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Core Curriculum
The 4-H National Youth Science Day Challenge, Game Changers, was taught to every 4th and 5th grader, approximately 600 kids, in the Taylor County, Campbellsville Independent School and Kentucky Christian School systems during October & November. Pitch Your Passion is an introductory coding activity that teaches kids how to use code to create an animated pitch about why people should care about one of their favorite topics. Students used code to animate something they were passion
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Community Leadership Development
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: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In response to COVID-19 school, community and business closings, Marion County Cooperative Extension Service and the 4-H Program sought to address a community need to provide educational opportunities. Due to COVID-19 social distancing, 4-H and Extension Programs developed 4-H To Go Kits and informational packets that helped to keep youth and clients informed and involved with 4-H and Extension programs during the pandemic.Over 1500 informational packets were distributed through Cent
