Trigg County CES

Title:

Youth as Successful Adults

MAP:

Enhance Life Skills and Build Consumer Awareness

Agents Involved:

Shelley Crawford

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Communications and Expressive Arts

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Family and Consumer Science

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. 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 the data Trigg County data profile provided in the 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment report, 2,606 Trigg residents are between the ages of 5 and 19. 956 of the young people live in households that have received supplemental security income, cash public assistance, or SNAP benefits in the past 12 months. The graduation rate in Trigg County is 95.1, which is higher than the state rate of 91%. However the transition readiness rate for the secondary school is 56.2%. 4-H youth development programs develop not only life skills, but also the soft skills which employers desire such as communications skills, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving and conflict resolutions. 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 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 post-secondary education or the workplace.

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:

Outcome:Youth gain knowledge and skills through participation in 4-H Youth Development Projects

Indicator: Youth who complete 4-H Youth Development project work

Method: 4-H Common Measures Universal Survey, project evaluations

Timeline: at the end of the project

Outcome: Youth express themselves effectively in group situations

Indicator: Youth participate in 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts projects

Method: 4-H Common Measures Universal Survey; project evaluations

Timeline: at the end of the project

Outcome: Youth will transition successfully into adult life

Indicator: Number of 4-H participants who go on to post-secondary education, work force, or military

Method: self-reporting

Timeline: one year after high school graduation

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Club members

Project or Activity: school, project clubs

Content or Curriculum: 7 core curriculum areas

Inputs: agents, volunteers, teens

Date: on-going

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Applications/interviews, achievement applications

Content or Curriculum: world of work

Inputs: agents, volunteers, teachers, teens

Date: on-going

Audience: Club Members

Project or Activity: Vet science, Ham project, livestock, horse and other animal science projects

Content or Curriculum: National & Kentucky project books

Inputs: agents, volunteers

Date: on-going

Audience: Club Members, volunteers

Project or Activity: shooting sports

Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H shooting sports guidelines

Inputs: certified volunteers, agents, parents

Date: year round

Success Stories