According to Afterschool Alliance, 80 percent of youth spend the majority of their waking hours outside of the classroom setting, and 1 in 5 students are alone after the school day ends. This concern was also voiced by members of the Clay County Extension Council and local Family Resource Centers. The Clay County 4-H program chose to address this issue by hosting 4-H Family Engagement Nights open to all youth throughout the county and their families. Afterschool programs, such as 4-H Family Engagement Nights, help boost positive youth development and parent/guardian involvement, provide a safe place for youth to learn and bond together as a family.

During each program, youth and families participate in a canvas painting class, eat a healthy snack, build supportive relations with family members and others participating in the event and gain knowledge about other Extension programs. Approximately 30-40 participate in the program every three months, and a large percentage of the program is sponsored by local Family Resource Centers.  

Evaluations results:

85% reported feeling this program benefited social, mental and physical health

100% reported the program provided a safe learning environment

93% reported feeling the program reduced risky behavior in youth

100% reported learning a new skill