Acquisition of Life SkillsPlan of Work

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Mercer County CES

Title:
Acquisition of Life Skills
MAP:
Resource Management and Life Skill Development
Agents Involved:
Dana Anderson, Luci Hockersmith, Linda McClanahan, Jessica Bessin
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Camping
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Communications and Expressive Arts
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Financial Education - General
Situation:

Adults and youth need to develop communication and 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. Providing families with the ability to have financial stability is a priority for Mercer County. This is achieved when families are able to secure and manage the resources needed to supply food, clothing, and shelter.  Cooperative Extension and 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working, and learning in partnership with caring adults. According to 2018 population estimates (census.gov) there are 4,787 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. 



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.

• Better family money management skills, such as reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial planning.

• 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

• Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups

 • Establish a positive bond with a caring adult who believes 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

• Use communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organization

• 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

•  Practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.

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 through 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

• Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.


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 a 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: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money

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: Money Bright School 4-H Club Lessons (4th & 5th Grade)

Content or Curriculum: Money Bright Curriculum

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers

Date: January - April


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: Audience: Families

Project or Activity: Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning Resources

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, banks, funeral homes, Extension Facility

Date: February


Activity: Media (news articles, newsletters, videos, podcasts, 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

4-H Cloverbud Overnight Camping Programming

Author: Dana Anderson

Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts

4-H Cloverbud Overnight Camping Programming

The Cloverbud 4-H Camp experience is a unique youth development program designed for youth 6-8 years old to experience 4-H Camp. The two-night residential camp is designed to give younger youth the opportunity to spend a night away from home and experience what 4-H Camp has to offer while sharing the experience with approved adults or parents. The focus of the camp is to engage in a cooperative, non-competitive learning experience.  4-H Cloverbud members participate in learning activities t

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