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Impact Report

For plan Youth Development (Bernalillo County)
Date November 1, 2011, 7:15 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report Project Meth: It has been reported that in addition to Meth being harmful to a person and their immediate surrounding, the production of methamphetamine may create serious environmental hazards, indoors and out. The dumping of those wates on the ground, down drains, or down sewers can cause contamination of soil, ground water, lakes, and rivers. In order to educate the youth of Bernalillo County on the dangers Meth production has on individuals and the environment, the Urban 4-H Agent developed a Meth Prevention/Education program for youth ages 7-14. In 2010-2011, the Agent facilitated Project Meth to 71 youth at the Jr. Law Enforcement Academy hosted by the Bernalillo County Police Athletic League. Participants reported not knowing the dangers meth production had on our land before the workshop and were surprised to learn that it did. Robotics: In partnership with University of Nebraska-Lincoln's GEAR-Tech-21 program and as a result of two successful one week summer camps in 2010, the Agent partnered with a local 5th grade teacher to implement the curriculum in his afterschool science club at Griegos Elementary School. GEAR-Tech-21 is a geospatial and robotics 4-H curriculum available to middle school age youth. It is an innovative curriculum that brings together robotics, GPD (Global Positioning Systems) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Using LEGO MINDSTORMS NST® robotics kits and handheld GPS devices, youth experience science, engineering and technology career areas. Designed with the experiential learning model, all activities have a hands-on problem-solving focus. Egg-2-Chick: Most youth in Bernalillo County will never have the opportunity to see a live hatching of a chick. Egg-2-Chick teaches youth the study of the avian egg by providing them with an opportunity to understand some of the theories and principles of reproduction. Using a hands-on approach, the Agent went into 15 classrooms, set up incubators, and facilitated weekly activities teaching the anatomy of chickens and eggs as well as talk about the importance agriculture has on our economy and way of living. Activities included "disecting" a hard boiled egg to learn the parts of an egg and then giving each student condiments to make their own egg salad, a healthy snack alternative. Rotisserie chickens were also taken into the classes to learn chicken anatomy with a yummy, healthy twist. Overall, 244 children and youth participated in the Egg-2-Chick program. The program, which doubled in size from the year before, is projected to continue to grow based on the evaluation of students and teachers alike. Nutrition Education: As a founding member of the New Mexico Super Fit Family Challenge, the Agent partners with a variety of programs, including faith-based programs, city community centers, and Albuquerque Public Schools. The New Mexico Super Fit Family Challenge focuses on two things a family can do right now to keep a healthy weight: making smart food choices and encouraging more physical activity. This eight week program starts families on the road to healthy living. Families eat and play together while learning more about how to stay healthy. The weekly program is family oriented, kid friendly and interactive. The Super Fit Family Challenge helps families who: 1. Have been wanting to make some changes but aren't sure where to start. 2. Are confused about what to eat. 3. Need some ideas to get their family moving more. 4. Are concerned that their family is not as healthy as they could be. The Agents role in this years Challenges was a bit more hands-off than previous years. Primarily because she trained those involved how to teach the curriculum she developed--a Super Fit Healthy Jeopardy game that quizzes the participants (parents and youth, alike) on all they have learned in the eight weeks of participation. G.R.E.A.T. Camp (Gang Resistance Education And Training) formally known as DEFY Camp: Through a partnership between the National Guard, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, Albuquerque Police Department, and 4-H 488 youth in Bernalillo County were served throughout the summer of 2011. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. Program is to help youth develop positive life skills that will help them avoid gang involvement and violent behavior. G.R.E.A.T. uses a communitywide approach to combat the risk factors associated with youth involvement in gang-related behaviors. The lessons included in each curriculum are interactive and designed to allow students to practice positive behaviors that will remain with them during the remainder of their development years. Youth participated in activities such as archery, fishing, rock climbing, and workshops on character development, meth prevention, and community related issues Bernalillo County faces like gangs. Each camp ended with a graduation, celebrating each youth's success at the camp. Without fail, kids would beg to come back another week to participate because they had so much fun. Photography: Research shows that youth who are engaged in arts programs are less likely to revisit the legal system, and more likely to achieve academic success and become contributing members of their community. Arts prevention programs are a cost-effective solution to the challenge of youth at risk. Photography requires long hours of practice, focus and perseverance—all components of self-discipline, a trait that many at-risk youth are desperately lacking. In a national study, three cities have rigorously evaluated their arts programs for at-risk youth and found that these programs decrease involvement in delinquent behavior, increase academic achievement and improve youth’s attitudes about themselves and their future. The Urban 4-H photography program introduces youth to an array of digital photographic techniques used in the studio, on location and in post-production. Youth will learn what makes a good photograph by studying with professional photographers. In addition, they will learn the fundamentals of composition, natural lighting, and studio portrait techniques. While using photography as an outlet, young people can explore the opportunity to harness their creative energy into creating a platform for issues that are important for them. In addition to learning how to handle a camera and implement photographic techniques, youth are taught how to store and manipulate their photos with an iPad. After 6 weeks of classes, the parent of the most challenging youth in the class approached the Agent thanking her for offering such an inspiring class. She went on to say, "My son is involved in afterschool programs every day, but this is the one he doesn't beg me to make him go to. He loves coming so much, it's nice to see him finally involved in something that's positive." Astronomy: A new venture for the Agent, she has partnered with a local Principal to teach astronomy to 5th and 6th graders at a Title 1 school. Using iPads to bring a hands-on approach to learning the constellations, the Agent encourages students to go beyond the textbook and develop a passion for the universe. This is a brand new program; outcomes will be reported in the next year. However, the overwhelming response of youth attending is an early sign that this program will be a success.