Success StoryPreparing students for success



Preparing students for success

Author: Jessica Marquez

Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES

Major Program: Community Leadership Development

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The problem: The FRYSC from Fairdale high school reached out to me regarding wanting to start a career and leadership development program to help students with behavior issues use their voice in a positive manner. Many of the students the FRYSC identified have leadership qualities that they needed help developing and aside from that they were first generation students who needed help deciding what to do after high school. 


The educational program response: In collaboration with 4H (P. Thompson), we decided to offer career and leadership development skills to students at Fairdale High School. We could use the Navigate curriculum for the college and career readiness aspect and a variety of 4H activities to develop teamwork and leadership skills. The end goal of the program would be for students to be able to run the program themselves and sustain it. 


The participants/target audience: Participants who could benefit from this program were identified by the FRYSC at the school. Some of these students had "behavioral issues" and were looked upon by their peers. Therefore, the FRYSC wanted us to help them use their influence in a positive manner. 


Other partners (if applicable)


Program impact or participant response: During the time we were with the students they were able to develop their leadership skills to get jobs/promotions in their job. Develop a plan after graduation and assist their peers with doing the same. As an incentive to completing the program we took the students from this group to tour KSU and learn about opportunities in Extension and on the university side. During our visit three students were able to speak with coaches about recruitment and scholarships to attend KSU. Many students stated that they wanted to attend an HBCU and were glad to know it was possible for them to attend KSU. 






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