Cooperative Extension personnel attend, present at national Extension conference

Sixteen Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension professionals traveled to Houston, Texas, in August to attend the National Urban Extension Leadership (N.U.E.L.) Conference. 

The purpose of the N.U.E.L. Conference is to advance the strategic importance and long-term value of urban Extension and its related activities. As part of a grass-roots organization that is passionate and committed to urban Extension, educators from the southern region had a mission to advocate and advance the strategic importance and long-term value of urban Extension activities by being relevant locally, responsive statewide, and recognized nationally. Over the four-day conference, all 16 Extension professionals networked, shared, and learned from their colleagues.

Brian Walker and Patrice Thompson created a poster and gave a live presentation explaining the importance of the Bred for Excellence program and “Urban-ing It.” They explained the importance that youth development plays and its vital role in helping youth to be successful. Their research also showed that youth who participate in structured 4-H programs have positive outcomes in academic achievement, cultural and social development, healthy living, civic engagement, and leadership skills. Bred for Excellence has been a successful program at Kentucky State. 

Walker and Thompson also highlighted the Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center and how it provides a learning experience outside the classroom, which promotes a positive and sustained environment through the work of 4-H Extension. The 4-H Youth Development goal is aligned with the university’s mission: “Thorobreds Leading for Impact.”

As leaders in the community, 4-H personnel have created programs that create pathways and opportunities in leadership, personal development and careers for youth and families. Walker and Thompson explained in their presentation that Kentucky State’s 4-H Youth Development personnel focus on a non-traditional approach that expands 4-H Youth Development, particularly those focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), as well as agriculture, healthy living, and citizenship.  

Walker and Thompson had a full room of participants eager to learn about how important urban programming can be and the effect it can have within 4-H Youth Development.