Wolfe County CES

County Emphasis:

Developing Leadership, Citizenship, Health, & Life Skills Among Youth

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

Building Leadership Capacity: 4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships. 

Health and Wellbeing: Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to Kentucky Kids Count Database (AECF, 2023) 41% of Kentucky teenagers are obese or overweight. Youth are also experiencing alarming levels of negativity about themselves, their confidence in the future, and their ability to find contentment in life (McKinsey & Company, 2022). 30% of youth are chronically absent (United States Department of Education, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2024) identified key priorities issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, minimizing bullying and/or school violence. To address these issues, Kentucky 4-H creates opportunities for youth in the five domains of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health and well-being. 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access: Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. 

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. Accordingly, the recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2023) indicated substance use prevention is the primary concern among most Kentucky counties. Nevertheless, few Kentucky communities support prevention efforts that are informed by research. Cooperative Extension is well-positioned with deep collaborative community ties to support evidence-based prevention programming. Such programs may target substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth.

County Situation:

The Wolfe County 4-H Youth Development program has been a prominent and growing presence in the community. The Wolfe County Extension District Board, County Extension Council, and 4-H Council have indicated through discussion and survey data that expanding programming in Wolfe County focused on youth will allow an increase in positive outcomes for our youth in Wolfe County. There are several issues that have been identified as obstacles that are halting positive youth development in our county, including lack of leadership opportunities and resources to develop leadership skills, an increase in health issues in youth and lack of health education, an increase of substance use and abuse within youth, and issues with access to healthy foods and nutrition education. 

Wolfe County is a rural county, with the 2020 US Census reporting a population of around 6,562. Around 1,400 of that population were identified as youth under the age of 18 years old. According to the data from the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Statewide Community Needs Assessment, around 32% of the population is considered impoverished, with the Child Poverty Rate falling around 42.8%. Only 7% of the population ages 25 and older reported earning a Bachelor's degree or more, and only 63.6% of the population has received their high school diploma or more. Our college going rate hovers around 34.7% according to the Community Needs Assessment. 

Wolfe County lacks opportunities for youth to serve as leaders and to develop critical leadership and life skills. According to the Statewide Needs Assessment, youth life skills training opportunities is viewed as a high need, ranking as a 4.4 on a 5 point scale. Other leadership categories also ranked high in this data, including youth workforce readiness skills at a 4.3, strengthening youth/adult mentor relationships at a 4.2, and maximizing youth voice in issues that matter to them at a 4.0. Our goals for 4-H Youth Development involvement in this area include opportunities for youth to learn and practice leadership skills, building positive adult relationships, and promoting college/career/future information and skills. 

Another prominent issue within Wolfe County is negative health outcomes for youth and families. According to data from Kentucky By the Numbers, around 32.4% of adults reported fair or poor health in 2020. Only 31.4% of the population reported having adequate access to locations for physical activity, and 15.4% of the population of adults has been diagnosed with diabetes (2020). Alarmingly, 44.3% of adults ages 18+ reported having a BMI that indicates being obese or overweight (2020). In addition, around 437 people under the age of 65 reportedly do not have health insurance, with 72 of those people being under the age of 19 (2021). In the Community Needs Assessment, reducing youth obesity was rated as a 4.2 on a 5 point scale of need. Mental wellbeing is also a focus and need in Wolfe County, with coping strategies to support wellbeing being rated a 4.1 and minimizing bullying/school violence ranked a 4.2 out of 5. Our goals for 4-H Youth Development in this area include health and wellness programming, health education, and promotion of healthy lifestyles among youth.

Substance use and abuse is considered to be a huge issue affecting Wolfe County. In the Community Needs Assessment, minimizing youth substance use was identified as the #1 need in the community, ranking as a 4.4 out of a 5 point need scale. Kentucky By the Numbers reported 171 drug related arrests in 2017 in Wolfe County, 947 substance abuse emergency department visits from 2018-2022, and 35 fatal overdoses from 2018-2022. It is clear that substance use is prevalent in this county, and preventative action needs to be taken with youth to avoid use and abuse later in life. Our plan for 4-H Youth Development involvement in this area include substance use prevention programming, promotion of healthy substance-free lifestyles, and alternative programming to deter youth from using substances. 

Finally, the last issue identified is food insecurity and lack of access to nutrition education. The Kentucky Youth Advocates have reported that around 33.3% of children in Wolfe County live in food insecure households as of 2022. The Statewide Community Needs Assessment also highlighted this issue, reporting 906 students in the 2022-2023 qualifying for free or reduced lunch and 953 households qualifying for SNAP benefits in 2022. This same survey also reported 702 children receiving aid from SNAP and 214 infants/children receiving WIC in 2022. Our plan for 4-H Youth Development involvement includes programming focused on nutrition education, collaboration with the federal SNAP-ED program, and collaboration on the Wolfe County Community Garden. 

The Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service will work to combat all issues highlighted through programming, including partner program with FRYSC and the Wolfe County School District. There will also be collaboration with local community partners to provide programming, education, and resources to youth. Programming will be provided within schools to reach 100% of students and to provide education and resources to all youth in Wolfe County. Programming will focus on the 4-H Core Curriculum Areas and will follow best practices to provide youth with meaningful opportunities for positive development. 

These programs will also see a lot of overlap in the county emphases of Agriculture Production, Diversification, and Sustainability as well as Financial Literacy, Healthy Living, and Family Development. Youth will develop skills related to agriculture through participation in clubs, programming with an ag focus (such as Pollinator Day and Pumpkin Days), individual study related to agriculture, youth participation in Farmer's Market activities, beekeeper participation, and more. Youth will also work on Financial Literacy, Healthy Living, and Family Development through participation in life skills programming, nutrition education in schools through entities such as SNAP-ED, and more. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in different capacities through programming with Master Clothing volunteers, homemaker club programs, and more. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Building Leadership Capacity: 

• Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
• Youth participation in community involvement increases.  
• Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.  
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 

Health and Wellbeing:

• Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.    
• Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and wellbeing field. 
• Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

• Improved social and emotional competency
• Reduced youth substance use
• Reduced youth substance use disorder
• Reduced youth overdose fatalities
• Reduced stigma related to youth substance use
• Improved quality of life

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

• Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    
• Youth increase educational outcomes.  
• Youth decrease poor overall health. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Building Leadership Capacity: 

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.

Health and Wellbeing:

• 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.   
• Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to health and well-being among 4-Hers.  
• 4-H members will increase physical activity. 

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery: 

• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

• Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will practice food safety.  
• Youth will access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will eat a variety of healthy foods daily. 

Initial Outcomes:

Building Leadership Capacity: 

• Youth will explore their spark in leadership. 
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  
• Youth successfully worked in a team environment to accomplish a task.  
• Youth realize how their actions impact others

Health and Wellbeing: 

• Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices  
• Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
• Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
• Increased knowledge of general wellness practices

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:

• Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
• Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
• Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
• Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).

Food Safety, Quality, and Access: 

• Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will learn the importance of food safety.  
• Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

Evaluation:

Leadership: 

Initial Outcome: Youth will explore their spark in leadership. .

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure). .

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills. 

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.

Method:  Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline:  At least a year from participation

Health and Wellbeing: 

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.   

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.

Method:  Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline:  1 or more years

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:

Initial Outcome :Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects.

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)  

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community.

Method:  Program metrics (agents will track and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery). 

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Reduced youth substance use

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1 or more years

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Initial Outcome :Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices. 

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks. 

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family. 

Method:  Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline:  1 or more years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Teens
Project or Activity: Teen Conference (Leadership)
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.
Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.
Date: Summer

Audience: Teens
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor Training(Leadership)
Content or Curriculum: Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.
Inputs: These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp. 
Date: Pre-Summer

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Achievement Program (Leadership)
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement. 
Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Program (Leadership)
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum such as Leadership Skills you never outgrow is sourced from Shop 4-H and Ricochet: An Extreme 4-H Leadership Adventure is sourced from other Land Grant Systems. All curriculum pieces focus on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.
Inputs: In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area teen councils, Middle school leadership clubs, and civic engagement opportunities. These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation (Food Safety, Quality, and Access/Health & Wellbeing)
Content or Curriculum: Teen Cuisine, Culinary Challenge, 4-H Cooking: 101, 201, 301, 401, International Foods, Passport Kitchen, Global Table, etc.
Inputs: Clubs; School Clubs; School Enrichment; 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities; Cooperative Extension Educational facilities, Utilization of approved research-based curriculum; outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System; Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.; Funding from local, state, and federal sources
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth 
Project or Activity: Drug Prevention Programming (Substance Use Prevention and Recovery)
Content or Curriculum: Truth and Consequence; Mock Crash; Approved and research based substance use programming/curriculum
Inputs: Collaboration with community anti-drug programs; clubs; school enrichment
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Positive Youth Development (Health & Wellness))
Content or Curriculum: Approved curriculum such as Health Rocks, Positive Employability,  Mindful Mechanics, Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM), Social/Emotional Health-Focused Programming, etc.
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, schools and school staff.
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Animal Sciences, Agriculture, Sustainability/Environment, Leadership, Food/Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing
Inputs: After School Clubs, In School enrichment, volunteers, paid staff, programmatic materials, community partners, schools and school staff.
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth 
Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program (Animal Production and Management
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Learning Lab Kits, National 4-H Project Books and Helper’s Guide, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program Overview, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Rules and Guidelines.
Inputs: 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful.?? 
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth and Community  
Project or Activity: Community Garden Involvement (Plant Production and Management)
Content or Curriculum: Leadership Development, Agriculture, Health Promotion, Community Service
Inputs: 4-H Garden Club participation; volunteer engagement; Efforts of Agents, Extension Staff, State Staff, School System; Promotion Through website, newspapers, newsletters, school promotion, social media
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Program (Animal Production and Management)
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Learning Lab Kits, National 4-H Project Books and Helper’s Guide, Country Ham Meat Lesson Kit (University of Kentucky)
Inputs: 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful.
Date: 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31); Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: General Agricultural Short Term Programs (School Enrichment, 4-H Camp, etc.) (Animal Production and Management)
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum; Agricultural Awareness Series; Earth Day Program; Pollinator Day
Inputs: Clubs; School enrichment; 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Consumer and Financial Education Programming
Content or Curriculum: Dollars and Sense, Reality Store (It’s Your Reality); Adulting 101
Inputs: School Enrichment; 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities. 
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth (Teens)
Project or Activity: 4-H Civic Education, Engagement, & Service
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement. In addition to these sources are the vetted sources of iCivics.org, CommonSense.org, and PBS Learning Media, and Kentucky History Society
Inputs: School Enrichment, Short Term programming; These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.
Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H, the Land Grant System and American Camp Association.
Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.
Date: Summer

Evaluation:

Leadership: 

Initial Outcome: Youth will explore their spark in leadership. .

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure). .

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills. 

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.

Method:  Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline:  At least a year from participation

Health and Wellbeing: 

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.   

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.

Method:  Survey 

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline:  1 or more years

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:

Initial Outcome :Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects.

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)  

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community.

Method:  Program metrics (agents will track and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery). 

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Reduced youth substance use

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1 or more years

Food Safety, Quality, and Access:

Initial Outcome :Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices. 

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks. 

Method: Survey

Timeline:  After Program/ Activity Completion  

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family. 

Method:  Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year 

Long-term Outcome: Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study 

Method: Survey  

Timeline:  1 or more years