Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Youth Development (Bernalillo County)

Plan Goal

Four-H members, leaders and parents will gain life skill knowledge and be exposed to life transforming experiences. Major areas of influence shall include: Personal Development, Animal Science, Plant Science, Natural Science, Creative Arts, Engineering

Situation Statement

Bernalillo County is unique when viewed in context of all other counties in New Mexico. It leaps from the very rural to the very urban, the farming to industry, science and military influences. Although crime and violence is prevalent through out the state, the degree and frequency is greatly increased among the population of the county. Bernalillo County may find more common denominators with urban counties in other states.

Over crowding public schools has caused inadequate personal attention for students as well as created a loss of effective programs in special interest areas of curriculum. Experiential learning has proven to be an effective method of teaching young people. Young people need to be excited and involved in the learning process through hands-on experiences and projects. Effective training is necessary to provide youth and volunteers with 1) Subject matter knowledge 2) Hands on Experiences 3) Creative Programming and 4) ways to involve youth with leadership and citizenship opportunities.

The Bernalillo 4-H Youth Development Program strives for youth involved in the 4-H Program to have the opportunity to participate in experiences that strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery.

Over 16% of the Bernalillo County population is age 5-18 (NM Census Data 2005). Current County 4-H Programming reaches 9% of youth within this age group. The Bernalillo 4-H Youth Development Program is committed to delivering research based educational curriculum and related learning experiences for youth in club, school enrichment, and special interest. Work in this area includes 4-H and other youth programs and activities that promote positive youth development. These educational activities facilitate the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership, fostering a sense of belonging and independence, providing opportunities for mastery, and creating a spirit of generosity. Through projects and activities in 4-H, youth have many opportunities to develop life and leadership skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork and decision making. These skills are introduced, developed and expanded throughout a lifetime.

Target Audience and Actions

Youth ages 5 to 19 are targeted to learn life, leadership and citizenship skills through: Project Work, Special Interest Groups, School Enrichment, Competitive Events, Fairs, Clinics, Workshops, Record Books, Camps, Community Service, Public Speaking, Elected/Appointed Offices, etc. and Extension Agents/Staff who serve youth audiences.

Short-Term Objectives

1. During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

2. During the 4-H program year, 98% of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

3. During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth enrolled in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept,
through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

4. During the 4-H program year, 75% of youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

5. During the 4-H program year, 65% of youth in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

6. During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth in the 4-H club program will begin establishing partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Medium-Term Objectives

7. 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

8. 98% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

9. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

10. 75% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

11. 65% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

12. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Long-Term Objectives

13. 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc.

14. 98% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities.

15. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events.

16. 75% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential.

17. 65% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events.

19. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will have established partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Evaluation Plan

Event/Workshop Evaluations: Evaluations will be conducted through surveys conducted for at least 50% of workshops and 75% of major events. Surveys are designed to measure effectiveness of program, life & leadership skills learned and self-concept of youth participants.

Appropriate Curriculum Kit Evaluation Instruments: Various Curriculum Kits contain evaluation instruments specifically designed for that curriculum. Evaluations will be conducted at 25% of all workshops or major events utilizing curriculum kits.

Qualitative data collected through 4-H Record Books: Review of State and County Record Books submitted by 4-H youth will provide tools for evaluating the long term effects of programming on life skills, public speaking, leadership and citizenship, as well as future and career plans of 4-H members.