Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Development
Youth Development
Stewart, Hull, Rex
Leadership
LEAP
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 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: You have an understanding of various life skills needed
Indicator: Participants have knowledge gained regarding life skills
Method: pre/post test
Timeline: 1-3 months
Intermediate Outcome: Youth begin to use the life skills at home, school, and their community
Indicator: Participants have applied knowledge gained from Extension programs to have more life skills
Method: Observation, Personal interviews, follow up phone calls or e-mails
Timeline: 6 months to a year
Long-term Outcome: Youth apply life skills at their job, college, and their community
Indicator: Participants will be either gainfully employed or attending a four year or two year school
Method: evaluation, observation, follow-up e-mail or phone calls
Timeline: 4-5 years
Audience: 4-H youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: 4-H Camp, 4-H Camp Staff, Extension Agents, Volunteers
Date: Summer 2024/2025
Audience: Youth Grades K-3
Project or Activity: Cloverbuds
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: School, Extension Staff, Parent Volunteers
Date: School year 2024/2025
Audience: Youth Grades 4 - 12
Project or Activity: School Clubs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: School, Extension Staff, Volunteers
Date: school year 2024/2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Project Days
Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum
Inputs: Outside organizations and companies, volunteers, Extension Staff
Date: Throughout the year 2024/2025
Audience: Head Start (OVEC) and Pre-school Families
Project or Activity: LEAP and Laugh and Learn Play (Head Start and K--1st grades)
Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Play Date Curriculum
Inputs: FCS Extension Agent, Gallatin County Schools/Head Start/Pre-School
Date: Each month throughout the school year 2024
Audience: K-3
Project or Activity: LEAP Program
Content or Curriculum: LEAP Curriculum
Inputs: FCS and 4-H Agents, Gallatin County Lower and Upper Elementary Schools' Libraries
Date: Each month throughout the school year 2024-25
