The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H.  This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving  process of youth because of their 4-H involvement.  Moving from the Develpmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emetional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes.  Despite multiple staff development opportunities, implememtation and application of the 4-H Thriving Model by Kentucky’s County Extension Agents is moving a bit slow.  To provide an opportunitiy to learn from new and tentured agents about the 4-H Thriving Model, the Crash Course was developed and implementated in September 2023.

Planning Committee & Instructors included County Extension 4-H Youth Development Agents ranging in tenure of less than a year to 20+ years, Kentucky 4-H Specialist, and Kentucky 4-H Program Leader.  Two of the instructors including Marshall Couty’s 4-H Agent are Kentucky represntatives to the Natinal 4-H Thriving Model Champion Network and Certified Curriculum Trainers. Participants included a mix of tenure in the UK and KSU Extension systems as well as two state 4-H staff members.  The crash course included a track for less than 6 years tenure and 6+ tenure track.  The split was made to focus more on the application of the 4-H Thriving Model to new, mature, and/or revised county 4-H programming efforts.  The Marshall County 4-H Agent provided an electronic 4-H Thriving Model Resource Toolkit for all of the participants.  At least two counties have utilized the toolkit for 4-H Council orientations and mentoring of newer 4-H Agents.

The participants were provided a retrospective pre-post evaluation to complete.  Results are below:

 Notable quotes from participants included:

•    “It allowed me to get perspectives of others who are similar points in their career.”

•    “I have a better understanding of the components of the model and how it relates to programming.  I feel more confident in identifying how to enhance and implement the components as well.”

•    “I plan on using thrive model in all my future planning and sharing it with stakeholders, volunteers, and community members.”

Based on the results received, observations made, and further requests for information Kentucky 4-H is set and ready for full implementation of the 4-H Thriving Model.