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 (Lea County)

Plan Goal

4-H members will grow personally and professionally by developing life skills that will enable them to make a difference in their lives as well as that of others. With these life skills they will gain a better understanding and appreciation in regards to

Situation Statement

20% of the youth in NM that are under the age of 18 are impacted by 4-H programming through traditional delivery modes (i.e. 4-H Clubs), special interest and school enrichment. In Lea County 27.6% of the population is made up of youth under the age of 18 (U.S. Census Quickfacts).
Lea County 4-H is committed to educating youth about the areas of nutrition, personal development, science, consumer issues/trends, engineering and creative arts. Educational lessons and programs that are provided through traditional 4-H club meetings, school enrichment and after school programs will help youth develop the positive life skills they need to be productive and active adults.

4-H programs and agents work to meet the needs of their counties by providing programming that is effective in building the cognitive, social, physical, moral and emotional development of youth. Through these programs, youth gain a sense of belonging and acceptance while being in a safe conducive environment that allows learning to take place by doing.

Though Lea County is primarily considered a rural county, youth still face the trials of peer pressure and the tests of being young. From truancy, teen pregnancy and other negative factors like drugs and crime, youth must be influenced in a positive matter. 4-H programming can do this by providing quality programs that emphasize the importance of being responsible, being a leader and being accountable for their actions. Currently there are over 207 youth participating in Lea County 4-H. New youth will be reached by doing after school programs and school enrichment programs as a way to introduce them to all that 4-H has to offer.

Target Audience and Actions

Youth in Lea County come from a variety of backgrounds and life situations. According to the Lea County Chamber of Commerce, 17% of youth reside in urban areas and 83% reside in rural communities. Lea County 4-H presents them with an opportunity to grow personally and to make a difference in their lives and that of others.

Each year, a variety of programs will be provided to continue the building of positive life skills in youth. Programs like career workshops, judging clinics, record book workshops, the annual awards banquet and county fair will help youth learn public speaking skills and ways that they can mentor younger 4-H members.

4-Hers in Lea County will be strongly encouraged to take part in Leadership events both at the state and county level, camps, district contests and State 4-H Conference. County 4-H Council officers will also be encouraged to attend these various events and bring that information back to the county where it can be used to help promote 4-H and guide other members.

Short-Term Objectives

25% of Youth will develop team work skills, leadership qualities and two new life skills by their 4th year in 4-H.

20% of youth will apply public speaking and leadership skills learned through 4-H demonstrations and leadership roles to promote the 4-H program in Lea County.

20% of senior age youth will learn at least 2 hands teaching methods to mentor younger members.

Medium-Term Objectives

30% of 4-Hers will develop a positive attitude that allows them to understand the ethical responses to competition by competing in county, district and state judging contests.

10% of 4-Hers will attend FCS related workshops that will enable them to complete one or more 4-H project areas.

100% of county council officers will provide officer workshops to other club officers in order to increase their knowledge of officer roles.

35% of youth will increase their knowledge in a particular subject area by participating in state leadership events, camps, judging contests and countywide events.

Youth will establish a quality relationship with adults in the community by attending fair board meetings and meeting with 4-H sponsors and donors.

Trainings will be attended by the agent to enhance knowledge of contest materials, subjects, policies and evaluation methods.

Long-Term Objectives

10% of 4-H members will consider studying in the fields of agriculture and family consumer science based on their participation and experience in the Lea County 4-H Program.

20% of 4-Hers will develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity as well as agriculture and the home by participating in bi-county events and statewide events through various leadership opportunities and judging contests.

15% of volunteers/leaders will have an increase in knowledge of contest materials, subjects, policies and evaluation methods.

Evaluation Plan

Increased number of youth participating in leadership and judging contests

Increased programming will result in more participation due to school enrichment and after school programming.

4-H Council meetings will have increased participation by youth representatives.

Record books and record book workshops will help youth effectively learn more about career preparation (i.e. filling out a job application).

Event and workshop evaluations will be done to determine the amount learned by participants.