Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Life Skill Development
Life Skill Development
Regina Browning, Candice Hollingsworth, Elizabeth Coots
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
Communications
Family and Consumer Science
Leadership
Life skills are the abilities that individuals learn that help them to be successful in living a productive and satisfying life. 4-H and Extension programming empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnerships with caring adults to obtain these important skills. Volunteers, Agents and Extension Staff an offer educational programming that allows youth to develop important life skills that help them become competent, caring and capable adults.
When it comes to the development of life skills, evidence suggests a need to go beyond mere transfer of knowledge, but instead giving youth the opportunity for a variety of supportive, related learning experiences to significantly increase the program's influence. A study by Astroth found that 4-H was effective at developing critical skills such as decision making, responsibility, interpersonal skills, service ethic and social skills. 4-H offers basic learning activities on a topics of interest to the youth, but the addition of activities that support that interest (such as fair exhibits, related subject matter workshops or day camps, fields trips, and decision making judging contests) significantly increase the development of inportant life skills.
Life skill development is a major component of all the major core contest areas of Kentucky 4-H. Emphasis is placed in developing life skills in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Health, Family and Consumer Sciences, Leadership, Science, Engineering & Technology (SET), Communications & Expressive Arts, Civic Engagement, Camping and 21st Century Skills. The Shelby County 4-H Council and the Extension Community Assessment Survey both identify life skill development as a priority for the Extension Program.
•Youth will be responsible and contributing individuals and family members.
•Youth will gain and maintain employment through life skill development.
•Youth will demonstrate the necessary teamwork, leadership, and communications skills to be successful in the workplace
•Youth contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family.
•Youth utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.
•Youth will become active volunteers.
•Youth share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community.
•Youth become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.
•Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H Programs
•Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems in their daily life.
•Youth will choose a career path in science, engineering or technology subject matter.
•Youth will utilize the scientific method in decision-making.
•Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.
•Youth will maintain positive health habits.
•Youth will report reduced numbers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.
•Youth will project a positive image and self-confidence
•Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making
•Youth will practice healthy eating choices
•Youth will make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results
•Youth will adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future
•Youth will utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations
•Youth will use and apply the skills gained from 4-H science, engineering and technology.
•Youth will demonstrate and share new abilities in science, engineering and technology with others.
•Youth will practice scientific methods learned in 4-H SET programs.
•Teens will mentor younger 4-H’ers in science, engineering and technology programs.
•Youth construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.
•Youth present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting), a school or county qualifying event.
•Youth demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups.
•Youth use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations.
•Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing.
•Youth will contribute to their communities.
•Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences projects and programs
•Youth will understand the decision-making process
•Youth gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action
•Youth increase their knowledge of leadership and how to be an effective leader, tram player, and communicator.
•Youth learn to read and follow instructions.
•Youth learn wise use of resources.
•Youth develop skills in decision making, critical thinking, communications, record keeping, and leadership.
•Youth have improved understanding of consequences of risky behaviors.
•Youth will increase interest and engagement in 4-H science, engineering and technology.
•Youth learn new skills in 4-H science, engineering and technology programs.
•Youth will be introduced to careers in science, engineering, and technology.
•Teens participate in science, engineering and technology 4-H programs to acquire new skills.
•Youth research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration.
•Youth write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration. Youth create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the written outline.
•Youth 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.
•Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts.
•Youth aspire to positively affect community and world issues.
Initial Outcome:Knowledge and skill gained in area of interest through 4-H project work or educational opportunity
Indicator: Number of youth completing projects, participating in educational events or 4-H Contest
Method: fair entries, observation, evaluations
Timeline: conclusion of project year
Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a 4-H Project
Indicator: Youth complete project, exhibit at competition, demonstrate or display project, participation in a contest
Method: observation, evaluations
Timeline: end of project year
Intermediate Outcome: Youth demonstrate effective use of new skills and apply to everyday situations
Indicator: Number of youth making good choices, adopting new habits, sharing skills with others, mentoring younger members and assuming leadership roles
Method: observation, evaluations, leadership roles filled, self and parental reporting
Timeline: second or more years of 4-H involvement
Long-term Outcome: Youth become competent, caring contributing adults that are gainfully employed.
Indicator: Former 4-Hers that are gainfully employed, contributing to their community and lead safe and productive home life
Method: observation and followup with former members and their families.
Timeline: conclusion of 4-H career
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Spring & Fall Project Days
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, supplies, curriculum
Date: Fall Break 2023, Spring Break 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Shelby County Communication Event
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Communications Curriculum
Inputs: Volunteers, Curriculum,
Date: April/May 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Country Ham Speeches/Essays
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Communications Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, volunteers
Date: August 2023
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Sewing and Fashion Revue
Content or Curriculum: 4-H FCS Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, volunteers, sewing machine, patterns
Date: January-April 2024
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Sewing Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H FCS Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, volunteers
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Individual and Independent 4-H Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum
Date: year round
Audience: 4-Hers and Families
Project or Activity: Extension Open House/Field Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and Marketing materials
Inputs: club members, volunteers, displays
Date:June/July 2024
Audience: High School Youth and Parents
Project or Activity: Paying for College Class
Content or Curriculum: KHEAA materials, MoneyWise,
Inputs: KHEAA representative, handouts
Date: November 2023
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: National 4-H Science Day Experiment
Content or Curriculum: Science Day Materials, SET
Inputs: National Science Day kits
Date: October 2023
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports Program
Content or Curriculum: Shooting Sports guidelines
Inputs: certified coaches, range, club equipment
Date: March-September 2023/ March-September 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, supplies
Date: June/July 2024
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Food-A-Rama
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Health and FCS Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, prizes
Date: July 2023
Audience: Camp Adult and Teen Volunteers
Project or Activity: Bullying Prevention Education
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum
Date: May/June 2023
Audience: 4-H School Clubs
Project or Activity: Citizenship Shelby County
Content or Curriculum: Civics
Inputs: curriculum
Date: January 2024
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Imagination Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Health, Expressive Arts and FCS Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, project supplies, curriculum
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Cloverbud Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Health, Expressive Arts and FCS Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, project supplies, curriculum
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Capital Experience
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Civic Engagement
Inputs: volunteers, transportation, local and state government officials
Date: March 2024
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Teen Council Washington D.C. Trip
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Civic Engagement
Inputs: volunteers, transportation, federal government officials
Date: July 2023
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity:4-H Day Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Health, Expressive Arts, FCS Curriculum, SET, Natural Resources
Inputs: volunteers, project supplies, curriculum
Date: July 2023
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Juntos
Content or Curriculum: Juntos Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, project supplies, curriculum
Date: October 2023-June 2024
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Tractor Driving
Content or Curriculum: curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, awards, curriculum
Date: April 2024
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Civic Engagement
According to the National Education Association, high quality civics education has positive benefits to youth who become more likely to vote and discuss politics at home, volunteer and work on community issues and speak publicly and communicate with elected officials. It also develops skills in critical thinking, civil debate, and classroom confidence. The Shelby County 4-H Agents planned an educational trip to Washington D.C. for Shelby County 4-H Teen Council Members to provide th
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
Major Program: Civic Engagement
According to the National Education Association, high quality civics education has positive benefits to youth who become more likely to vote and discuss politics at home, volunteer and work on community issues and speak publicly and communicate with elected officials. It also develops skills in critical thinking, civil debate, and classroom confidence. The Shelby County 4-H Agents planned an educational trip to Washington D.C. for Shelby County 4-H Teen Council Members to provide th
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
According to a report on “Hispanics and the Future of America” from the National Research Council, Hispanics in the United States face an accumulated disadvantage in their educational experience. Many Hispanic youth enter formalized schooling with less economic and social resources compared to other students and schools are often unable to compensate for these initial disadvantages. Many have inadequate school resources and weak relationships with their teachers that und
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
According to a report on “Hispanics and the Future of America” from the National Research Council, Hispanics in the United States face an accumulated disadvantage in their educational experience. Many Hispanic youth enter formalized schooling with less economic and social resources compared to other students and schools are often unable to compensate for these initial disadvantages. Many have inadequate school resources and weak relationships with their teachers that un
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
As high school seniors approach graduation, they are also approaching a shift in independence as they move into adulthood. Self-reliance and self sufficiency are important as young adults begin to navigate the world around them. Providing them with lessons in basic life skills can give young people confidence in their newfound independence whether they plan to go away to college or enter the workforce. The Shelby County 4-H Agent and the Shelby County High School Youth Service Center (YSC
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
When someone first thinks of sewing, they may think of the stereotypical grandmother type, at her sewing machine or working hand piecing a quilt. This skill that was once thought to be losing interest is now on the rise thanks to social media and the art of upcycling. A tradition that was once passed down from mother to daughter has been revitalized for the masses. 4-H has helped to keep this skill alive and pass it on to the younger generation. We owe a great debt to our volunteers who take the
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Leadership
The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University
