Monroe County CES

Title:

LIfe Skills Development

MAP:

Building Human Capital

Agents Involved:

Susan Turner and Jamille Hawkins

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Leadership

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Communications and Expressive Arts

Situation:

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 and 3,098 youth 4-H age in Monroe County. 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).

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:
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.


Intermediate Outcome:
Youth will acquire social skills to develop positive interactions in school and community settings. Youth will learn basic leadership techniques to enhance their self-esteem and improve their self-responsibility. Youth will explore the skills to manage their feelings and utilize conflict resolution techniques.
Indicator: Increase by 5% the number of youth serving on civic organization committees and boards and in youth - adult partnerships
Method: Analyze board participation records
Timeline: Annually in September of each year 2017-2020

Long-term Outcome:
Youth will develop and improve life skill techniques which will enable them to become better prepared to learn and function as contributing members of today's society.
Indicator: Increased percentage of youth participating in 4-H Youth Development programs.
Method: 4-H enrollment data
Timeline: August, annually 2017-2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth ages 5-18
Project or Activity:
Experiential learning
*Community Clubs
*School Clubs
*Clover Buds
*Teen Programs
*SPIN Clubs
*4-H Camp
*State Teen Council
*Issues Conference
-Non-formal educational experiences
-Youth/Adult partnerships

Content or Curriculum:4-H project books as adopted by each club or member; monthly club meetings.
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)
-Educated Volunteers/Mentors
-Commitment to the positive development of youth
-Continued professional development for agents & volunteers

Date: monthly July 2016-June 2020

Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:

Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:

Success Stories