Relevance/issue/situation:

Public Schools were struggling to reach their students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), over 4,500 students, nearly 5% of the district, made no contact with JCPS during the first week of distance learning. Unfortunately, students in already disadvantaged groups are overrepresented in the group of students JCPS teachers could not reach the first week of distance education. About 88% of the missing students live in poverty, about one in 10 of the missing students is homeless. Without a sound plan to get all students connected, already-disadvantaged youth will fall even further behind.

Response:

The Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program collaborated with key community organizations and schools to meet that challenge by creating an online platform that was safe for youth to use and allowed unique educational experiences. Club KYSU recognized the importance of diverse young people’s right to participate in decisions that impact them and acknowledges the great skills and strengths they bring to the table.  Club KYSU created a holistic program using multi-faceted approaches to hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and interactive education. Throughout the year, the 4-H Essential Elements (Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity) was embedded in the online learning experiences. Club KYSU met monthly with youth and provided a range of online programs and activities that made it possible for youth to extend learning that supports their academic interests. This was achieved through engaging projects and presentations, connection with other youth from across the state, developing leadership skills, gaining social confidence, and exploring new interests. Youth also shared their own innovative creations with peers and participated in fun-filled contests and competitions. The highlight of Club KYSU was the Virtual 4-H Ignite Conference, which brought all the youth involved in Club KYSU together. At the conference, youth were exposed to a broad depth of topics that allow them to pursue their own interests. The conference introduced youth to expert knowledge and guided them toward their own sense of mastery and accomplishment. Each Club KYSU online session builds upon another and the Ignite Conference brought those pieces together as youth are encouraged to broaden their perspectives, find relevance in the topic area of their interest, and bring ideas to their home, families, and community.  

Result: 

Of the 250 participants, 97% reported to have learned something new and 87% showed interest to learn more about STEM, Self-Care and Mental Health, and Leadership.    82% indicated that they would join another virtual 4-H session. This shows the retention attribute of the Club KYSU. In addition, 81% stated that 4-H gave them the platform to freely explore the things they are passionate about and 77% stated that they felt a sense of belonging at 4-H.  Connecting with the next generation of underserved youth means reaching out to students early and meeting them where they are.  The rise of technology has paved the way for a new type of programming through online engagement.  Camp KYSU virtual programs gave underserved and marginalized youth the opportunity to experience cross-cultural interactions. Youth who may not have the opportunity to travel past the border of their own communities now have equally as much to contribute to the intercultural exchange dialogue. The cross-cultural exposure enabled youth to share their cultural traditions, gain awareness of self, and learn about others.