Describe the Issue or Situation.

The Carter County Community Schools Initiative addressed that there are not enough direct after-school programs at school and there isn’t enough community involvement in the development of the young people at school. Three of the top 15 priority issues highlighted in the Extension Community Assessment are youth life skills training opportunities, strengthening yuth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Partnering with the Carter County School Board for their Community Schools Initiative to provide after-school Cooking Clubs in two of the elementary schools for the 4^th and 5^th graders. The club meets once a month, directly after school. Some of the topics covered are knife skills, measuring, and making easy healthy snacks.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

35 youth in the 4^th and 5^th grades

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Improve knowledge of the County 4-H program.

Improve partnership between the school administration and 4-H Agent.

Lessons learned by the youth:

1. Problem solving
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Hands on learning
5. Kitchen utensils safely
6. Make easy, nutritious foods
7. The careers associated with what they learn each month

This is also providing an additional positive youth adult relationship to form with the 4-H Agent coming in.